Using MAC filtering on the router with the changed SSID is another good
step. While a MAC address can be falsified by a freeloader, those that do so
are definitely aware of what they are doing with their hijacking and thus
legally can be shown to have intent. Inadvertent hijacking can well be a
valid defence but all WiFi networks should have some level of security in
place, even if it is only changing the SSID from the default "out of the
box" setting.

With the large number and proximity of WiFi networks now appearing, even
residentially, and the limited number of useable channels available, at
least different SSIDs usually means that a few different networks can
co-exist on the same channel without undue stress or problems. With a common
SSID, who knows where you might be connected!

Pierre

"Paul Harper" <paul@harper.net> wrote in message
news:ejahe1lvakigbeobed06s7li5sos5dco72@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 28 Jul 2005 10:43:45 +0100, Alex Heney <me8@privacy.net>
> wrote:
>
> >But it is still a good idea to secure your own network - and change the
> >SSID. If you don't change the SSID, then any neighbours with the same
brand
> >of router will have the same SSID, and your laptops won't usually know
> >which one they are accessing.
>
> Agreed. And setting the router to not broadcast the SSID is good too.
>
> Paul.
>
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