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Message from Steven
===================
James wrote:
>
> Anyone sophisticated enough to intercept wireless 
> packets is also going to be sophisticated enough 
> to know about programs that can easily crack WEP 
> keys 

To which I replied:
> 
> They can easily crack a 128-bit encryption?
> With what?  A super computer?

To answer my own question:  no, a supercompter is
not required.  Apparently, even 128-bit WEP can be
cracked in 10 minutes by a knowledgeable user with 
an ordinary computer.  However, the same article 
that provided that information also said that most 
wireless networks are either (1) unencrypted or 
(2) use default settings for encryption, thereby 
making them easy targets.  Although properly 
configured WEP networks are crackable, they are
still worthwhile because most intruders will go
for the easier targets.  The more hurdles you put
in the way (like regularly changing the WEP key
or turning off your network when not in use), the
less attractive it is.

Keep in mind that a similar thing also applies to
the internet.  With so many open Windows systems 
around, relatively few attackers target Linux.  
And dial-up Linux users are even less attractive
targets because their IP address change each time 
they log on.  So, as a dial-up Linux user, you
are much less likely to be attacked.

The moral of the story is: the leopard chases the
slowest antelope.  If most other users are easier 
targets, then you will probably be left alone.

Cheers,
Steven