Re: Wireless Security

"Ret." <xxx> wrote in message
news:ZK-...
>I recently replaced my desktop PC with a lap-top and, for the first time,
>went wireless. I'm using a Linksys 'n' router which is protecting my
>wireless connection with WPA2-personal security and AES Encryption.
>
> My broadband package (Pipex) gives me a max monthly download of 2Gb and,
> because I don't download music or movies, this is normally ample.
>
> Two days ago I received an e-mail from Pipex telling me that I have
> exceeded 90% of my useage limit and I may want to consider upgrading my
> package.
>
> I have 'Netmeter' installed on my system and even today (two days after
> the e-mail) this shows that I have used 1.398Gib with a projected total
> period useage of 1.844 Gib. This is higher than my normal useage because I
> have been downloading updates and various progs such as Zone-alarm and
> Avast etc. According to Netmeter's readings, however, I am still currently
> well within my useage limit and nowhere near exceeding 90%.
>
> Pipex insist that their readings are correct and this makes me concerned
> that someone else is using my wireless connection. Is this possible with
> security enabled - or is it likely that Netmeter is not that accurate?

The Pipex figures may also be projections based on recent usage, in which
case the figures make sense. Ask them. If your router allows, try tying
the wifi port to the MAC address of your wifi-connected laptop. This can
still be 'hacked' but with the combination of WPA2, it would be rather
difficult and take too much effort for the measly bandwidth a hacker would
get from your wifi connection. I don't think anyone is hijacking your wifi
connection though.

HTH,
--
Rob