Caution! Wireless Networking: Preventing a Data Disaster

In This Chapter

• Explaining encryption

• Introducing modern encryption techniques

• Examining Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

• Introducing Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

• Using Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)

Encryption is one of the best tools available for securing your personal information and data. There are many different types of encryption; all of them have varying degrees of effectiveness. While using any encryption is better than using none at all, it’s important that you understand the application and level of effectiveness of each type of encryption system. Failure to understand encryption and its proper use may lead to your belief that your Wi-Fi network is secure when it really isn’t. This chapter takes encryption out of the windowless rooms and domain of the spymasters, and explains it in plain English so that you can make the best use of it.