WiFi vs USB or blue tooth
Recently I noticed that a large number of my RV neighbors are using some type of WiFi connection in their RVs. Right now I see three signals that would be useable. So anyone with minimal skills could ...
Forum Discussion
There are a couple things that concern me about some of the comments above
1) the assumption that WPA2 is secure. It is not completely secure it can be hacked, and could become more hackable tomorrow. More importantly, as previously mentioned Darren Kitchen has shown that you can build a tool that a 12 year old can easily operate which can spoof a legit WiFi network without you knowing, at which point security is irrelevant. You would be surprised, when I fire up my WIFI Pineapple at work and add the SSID "Starbucks" or "McDonalds" how many people accidentally connect to it. And that is not because people go "hey look free Starbucks WiFi in the middle nowhere" but because your device has already connected to Starbucks free WIFI in the past and it says (without you knowing) "hey look free Starbucks WiFi in the middle of nowhere lets connect to it".
2) the assumption that there are no hackers in the campgrounds: This is most definitely false. Every campground I am in you can guarantee there is always one. The good news is I am trained as a Network Security specialist and do my hacking only where I am legally authorized (my house or work) and in the context of my job to ensure my networks are secure.
3) the assumption that one protocol is more secure than another. WIFI is hackable, Bluetooth is hackable, and Cellular is now emerging to be the next attack front for hackers, it will be soon enough.
4) long range antennas make it much easier, with a 25dbi Yagi antenna I can see WIFI devices from up to 5 miles away, so far away they can require a rifle scope to point to the right one. Directional antennas are available and can be made for WIFI, Bluetooth and Cellular for nothing: Google "Pringles can antenna"
5) the certainty of some of the comments
With that said, most forms of communication are hackable. Some are much easier thanks to tools like the WIFI Pineapple by Darren Kitchen. Are you at risk? Absolutely! But should you worry, maybe a little, but not enough to require Prozac. Use encryption and strong passwords always, always and always! Never connect to unsecured WIFI unless you know what it is and are sure it should be where it is ie, you would be suspicious if you see a Starbucks WIFI in the middle of the Pacific Crest Trail. Always delete the free WIFI network when done with it ie Starbucks etc. Assume that bored teenager who would rather be at home playing Call of Duty could be in your campground with his laptop and is bored.
Just like the joke "you are safe from a Bear attack as long as you bring someone slower than you", try to never be the "slower" guy in the campground just in case, let that bored teenager attack some lower hanging fruit instead of you.
1) the assumption that WPA2 is secure. It is not completely secure it can be hacked, and could become more hackable tomorrow. More importantly, as previously mentioned Darren Kitchen has shown that you can build a tool that a 12 year old can easily operate which can spoof a legit WiFi network without you knowing, at which point security is irrelevant. You would be surprised, when I fire up my WIFI Pineapple at work and add the SSID "Starbucks" or "McDonalds" how many people accidentally connect to it. And that is not because people go "hey look free Starbucks WiFi in the middle nowhere" but because your device has already connected to Starbucks free WIFI in the past and it says (without you knowing) "hey look free Starbucks WiFi in the middle of nowhere lets connect to it".
2) the assumption that there are no hackers in the campgrounds: This is most definitely false. Every campground I am in you can guarantee there is always one. The good news is I am trained as a Network Security specialist and do my hacking only where I am legally authorized (my house or work) and in the context of my job to ensure my networks are secure.
3) the assumption that one protocol is more secure than another. WIFI is hackable, Bluetooth is hackable, and Cellular is now emerging to be the next attack front for hackers, it will be soon enough.
4) long range antennas make it much easier, with a 25dbi Yagi antenna I can see WIFI devices from up to 5 miles away, so far away they can require a rifle scope to point to the right one. Directional antennas are available and can be made for WIFI, Bluetooth and Cellular for nothing: Google "Pringles can antenna"
5) the certainty of some of the comments
With that said, most forms of communication are hackable. Some are much easier thanks to tools like the WIFI Pineapple by Darren Kitchen. Are you at risk? Absolutely! But should you worry, maybe a little, but not enough to require Prozac. Use encryption and strong passwords always, always and always! Never connect to unsecured WIFI unless you know what it is and are sure it should be where it is ie, you would be suspicious if you see a Starbucks WIFI in the middle of the Pacific Crest Trail. Always delete the free WIFI network when done with it ie Starbucks etc. Assume that bored teenager who would rather be at home playing Call of Duty could be in your campground with his laptop and is bored.
Just like the joke "you are safe from a Bear attack as long as you bring someone slower than you", try to never be the "slower" guy in the campground just in case, let that bored teenager attack some lower hanging fruit instead of you.
