Unsecured networks - tracking who/where has been on it

Jon Frost · 4 Jun 2008 at 13:26

Hi.
My friend has an unsecured wireless network she set up quite some time ago. When I say 'set up', the connected everything up, made no changes to the settings and just used the wireless network with no security.

Looking at it for her, I have enabled WEP and noticed onthe DHCP logs that IP's have been given out to several machines. As she only has a small laptop, someone has been using her network.

Is there any way that you can trace who these people are, or where they are. EG - Due NW at about 200 feet.

I think I know the answer to my question already.

But heres hoping

Ta

Jon

Jon Frost · 4 Jun 2008 at 13:32

Sp00n said:
Depending on the router, you might be able to get the mac address and machine name, thats about it.

Thanks both.

How would the above help.
I know MAC address is unique to the machine but how would you match that machine to a user/location?

Cheers.

J

Jon Frost · 4 Jun 2008 at 13:33

Brilliant.
I thought this might be the case. Well she is secure now anyway.
Cheers.
Jon

Jon Frost · 4 Jun 2008 at 13:48

Ethics said:
Having recently setup my own wireless network i looked into the various forms of encryption, WEP really isn't very secure.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wired_Equivalent_Privacy

WPA and WPA2 are far better:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wired_Equivalent_Privacy#802.11i_.28WPA_and_WPA2.29

Thanks.

A mac address can be spoofed too though.

From a techy side of thing, how would you do this, change the properties in your network adaptor on the machine?
Cheers,
J

Jon Frost · 4 Jun 2008 at 13:57

Curious.
Thanks

Jon