[CS-FSLUG] wireless internet security

[Stephen J. McCracken]

Ron.T wrote:

> North West Territories.  Well at least we found a place to live
> that's south of the Arctic Circle (by a few tenths of a degree) :-)
> 
> Overall should we be concerned about security with wireless?

Are you afraid the Elk and Grizzlies are going to listen in on your
communications? <grin>

The real answer is:  It depends.

What are you sending?  Is there confidential material?  In the town of
16,000 people ("consisting of trappers, fishermen, miners, business
people, artists and bureaucrats") will there be people trying to listen
in?  Is it long range wireless where they will need special equipment to
listen in?  Is the communication sensitive?  (If it's email or non-ssl
web browsing, then it's open anyway once you get onto the Internet.)
Are you worried about someone stealing your bandwidth?  Does the
provider use encryption (WEP or WPA or...)?  Does it really matter?

It all comes down to what you are trying to protect and the motivation
of those around who might want it.

sjm