McAfee Wireless Home Network Security

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Richard Poelling
Kurtis
McAfee
Nov. 2, 2005

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Introduction

Network Security! (*Crickets chirp!) Where did everyone go? Similar reactions can be expected from such topics as mortgages, financial planning, and my all-time favorite, the tax audit. The need for network security is an unfortunate side effect of our ever-growing dependence on computers and the networks they run on. With the onslaught of internet worms, hackers around every virtual corner, and the usual band of miscreants that ruin everything for the rest of us, it's no wonder the average consumer doesn't have time to keep up with all of the latest advancements in security. Add to this the desire to go wireless, and now you have added into the mix a jumble of transfer standards, security standards and basically created a big "ol mess. Since things have become so complicated, many just ignore security altogether which is why we have so many open access points broadcasting peoples' hard-earned internet connection.

However, all hope is not lost. So what if you can't tell WEP from WAP, or WPA from AP? You no longer have to - or so claims McAfee, speaking about their new Wireless Home Network Security software. McAfee has been kind enough to provide me with a copy of their latest software package designed for those who want a secure wireless experience, but just don't have the time to dig through a host of unknown acronyms. The package I am looking at today is their Wireless Home Network Security product. This can be purchased by itself or as part of a security suite, but I will come to that later.

First Looks

Hey, it's software, what do you expect? Obviously, to use this software you need a wireless connection. The package is really designed for the initial wireless purchaser who is either just about to set up a wireless gateway or has one that was pretty much just turned on out of the box and is broadcasting in the open. That is not to say that this product can't enhance an existing wireless network. The software package is designed to configure your router and network card to not only use a secure connection, but also to secure it more effectively. This will be done partially by using the max number of characters for an encryption key as well as rotating those keys often. This includes both WEP and WPA security protocols. Even when using the less secure WEP encryption standard, by rotating the keys, you decrease the chances of someone breaking into your network. Even if someone was to gain access to the key, they would have to re-crack your encryption after the next rotation. Unless someone really has it out for you, or is REALLY bored, they will probably not waste their time and go somewhere easier, or at least that is the premise.

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Page 1: Introduction / First Looks
Page 2: Installation / User Interface
Page 3: Testing
Page 4: Licensing and Availability / Conclusion

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