getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

I am a real newbie to N800 and not that computer savvy.:o I just got my n800 last week. I have a wifi router at home and just love being able to access the net wirelessly on the N800. There are some wifi signals at work, but I don't know (just downloaded some WEP cracking info:eek:) how to crack WEP yet. Our IT guy (at work) told me I have to connect into our network box at work with an ethernet cable to access the net, but the tablet has no ethernet connection. I know the N800 contains a wireless card and the downloaded info on cracking WEP states that the wireless card has to be put into monitor mode:confused: in order to crack WEP using :confused: AirCrack and Kismet???? I have found info on youtube about purchasing an access point rather than using a travel wifi router which possibly can be added to one of the network box's ethernet plugs-ins. But all of this stuff has me very:confused:confused. Is there anyone who can offer me some advice? I would be greatly appreciate any help that can be provided ... I sort of feel like I am lost in a foreign land and don't speak the language:( Thank you in advance to anyone that responds!

Joyce

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

Joyce --

I doubt anybody here is going to help you break the law and hack into encrypted WiFi access points. If you want to do that, you're on your own.

If your workplace doesn't have a problem with you using their network with the device, then they shouldn't have much issue with helping you set up a WiFi AP at your office (encrypted, hopefully with WPA not WEP) to use with your device on their network. The IT guy you spoke with at work should be able to help you get an inexpensive wireless router/access point configured and installed on their network.

Good luck.

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

If your network guy says you need a cable, it probably means that wireless isn't available for you. Just to make sure, you could ask someone who you see using a laptop wirelessly how they do it. If you don't see anyone using a laptop wirelessly, that would be additional confirmation that it isn't available.

I don't think you should be talking about "crack"ing you employer's wireless. Your employer might object. Cracking means getting access without permission of the person who set up wireless.

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

As others have pointed out. This is totally unethical AND illegal. The only legitimate reason to do so is to audit the security of a network that is YOURS, period. Don't ask us to help you break the law.
Make VERY SURE you ask your 'IT guy' and your manager permission before plugging a wifi AP into the wired network 'at work' or you may find yourself job hunting very soon. Many businesses use wired networks and not wireless for security reasons.

As a network admin I can tell you right now-

If a user on one of my networks plugged a wi-fi AP into my wired network without permission WPA, WEP, whatever, it would be the last thing they did while working for that company! It represents a direct security breach to have an access point that is not under control of the company connected to an Internal LAN. Depending on how large the company is and how sensitive the data on the network it could also result in criminal charges being filed or a civil suit!!!

Don't do it.

kernelpanic

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

Thank you, kernelpanic...geneven... and briand!!!! I stand embarrassed :o and after learning about the legality and network info I certainly am not interested in either options. The information that kernelpanic provided was very helpful as I certainly would not want to compromise the sensitive :eek: information on my agency's network.....not only would it possibily cost me my job, but my license as well!....NOT GOOD.....I am kind of surprised that our IT guy didn't mention this to me, but they are always busy and on the go .... had to catch him on the run...so to speak. As I mentioned I am really new to all of this and feel like lost .... but I can't thank everyone enough for helping me understand what all of this STUFF means! I downloaded a program called Boingo Mobile and for a reasonable price $7-something monthly... they provide wifi access. I work in Northwestern New Jersey close to PA and there is a MacDonald's close by (one block away) that is covered by Boingo Mobile. Perhaps there is a devise that would strenghen the wifi signal that far. Does anyone have any suggestions on accessing reasonably inexpensive access to wifi in my region (Warren County, NJ)? Someone kindly told me if I use my cell phone as a modem it would be expensive, and my carrier (T-Mobile) don't have any really inexpensive web plans. I am just about at my monetary limit that is why I am researching inexpensive options. And again.. :o ..thanks so much again for the help with networks what cracking means....those options are not only bad but very damaging in many ways! This forum and your help has been not only GREAT :confused: , but embarrassment :o /REGRET :eek: saving!!!!!!!THANKS AND EMBARRASSED :o Joyce

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

Thank you, kernelpanic...geneven... and briand!!!! I stand embarrassed:o and after learning about the legality and network info I certainly am not interested in either options. The information that kernelpanic provided was very helpful as I certainly would not want to compromise the sensitive :eek: information on my agency's network.....not only would it possibily cost me my job, but my license as well!....NOT GOOD.....I am kind of surprised that our IT guy didn't mention this to me, but they are always busy and on the go .... had to catch him on the run...so to speak. As I mentioned I am really new to all of this and feel like lost .... but I can't thank everyone enough for helping me understand what all of this STUFF means! I downloaded a program called Boingo Mobile and for a reasonable price $7-something they provide wifi access. I work in Northwestern New Jersey close to PA and there is a MacDonald's close by (one block away) that is covered by Boingo Mobile. Perhaps there is a devise that would strenghen the wifi signal that far. Does anyone have any suggestions on accessing reasonably inexpensive access to wifi in my region (Warren County, NJ)? Someone kindly told me if I use my cell phone as a modem it would be expensive, and my carrier (T-Mobile) don't have any really inexpensive web plans. I am just about at my monetary limit that is why I am researching inexpensive options. And again ...:o....thanks so much again for the help with networks what cracking means....those options are not only bad but very damaging in many ways! This forum and your help has been not only GREAT:confused:, but embarrassment :o /REGRET:eek: saving!!!!!!!THANKS AND EMBARRASSED:o Joyce

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

brossj,
Sorry to be so harsh in my first post. If it sounded like I was trying to scare you, well, I was. (I literally cringed :eek: when I saw your post.) Aside from violating basic network security practices, certain industries (Financial, Health, Insurance, etc.) have specialized rules that they MUST follow to safeguard sensitive data and remain in compliance with relevant Federal and State agencies. Your IT department at work is familiar with such rules. Putting your own wi-fi access point onto a company network is akin to installing your own door into the building. A door that either does not lock or for which your boss does not have the key.

That having been said, I'm gonna throw you a bone. If you really want to connect your IT to the Internet from work you have two options-

1. Bluetooth via PC- It is generally not considered a security problem to tether a handheld device/PDA to the Internet through your PC via bluetooth. The reason for this is that bluetooth travels only a few feet, whereas wi-fi goes much much further. Definitely ASK your IT department for permission/help first. But chances are it won't be a problem and that at least one of them owns an Internet Tablet ;) and can assist you.

2. If you are allowed to plug in your own laptop via Ethernet you can get a USB ethernet adapter and do the same with your tablet. However, only some adapters will work at all and the required drivers are not included by default. So #1 is probably your best bet.

hope this helps,
kernelpanic

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

You can use cabled Ethernet on the NIT with a USB100M network adaptor.

http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...ad.php?t=11723

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

Go with cabled, where I work if they find you using the wireless they slap your hand, if you use bluetooth they cut the hand off. figuratively.

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

But that McDonald's option sounds attractive, too. I don't know whether the signal will extend a whole block, though. If you can see a connection on your tablet now, but you just can't connect to it because it doesn't seem strong enough, some sort of antenna might help, I imagine. Maybe someone conversant with hanging out at McDonalds and using Boingo would have some advice -- I only did that once. At worst, you could go to McDonalds on your lunch hour. I suggest you stick to the diet coke, however. You might try walking to McDonalds and periodically trying your tablet to see if access works. You might even ask your network guy about this -- he might have an opinion. But first, try the Boingo connection. You can probably get a 30-day free trial, or at least I got one for my testing.

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

As I posted above, regardless of what method she uses, she should ask permission. Many employers allow bluetooth tethering of PDA's/handhelds as the range is only a few feet. As long as the IT dept. signs off on it, she's cool. The reason I was so harsh on her in my first post was that she was obviously *totally* unaware of the implications and possible consequences of plugging her own wi-fi AP into a company LAN (on the wrong side of their firewall) in a user-dense environment with possibly hostile neighbors.

The important thing for ANY employee at ANY company to remember is that the network resources of that company belong entirely to the company. Employees are given access only so that they can do their job.

To any others who view this post, remember that everything you do online at work is not private or yours. Every email you send or receive, every page you view, everything you do online is on the company dime and belongs to your employer, not you. Make sure you read and understand your employer's policy regarding email, web-surfing, online radio stations, you-tube, etc. And most importantly- When in doubt, ask permission!


cheers,
kernelpanic

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

That's probably true in the USA, but it's not the case in many other places. Here, for example, since the pages you visit can disclose your personal, private, tastes/religion/political affiliation, are considered as personal data and the employer cannot control them if he doesn't tell you beforehand.
Of course it's good advice to know and read company policies (if they're in place, if not you're free to do as you will).

Re: getting connected to network where I work or crack WEP
 

The OP is in the U.S.
That also is not true in the U.S. The law here is-
Email- <your_name>@company.com is not yours AT ALL. it belongs to the company. Every mail sent or received. There is no expectation of privacy ever.
Here's a good example(emphasis mine)-As an aside even when not at work-
Even personal email sent from home has no expectation of privacy unless encrypted. Why? It's the same as a postcard sent through the mail. (Encryption would be the envelope which conceals the note within.) Since it is sent across multiple servers in plain text anyone can read it and there is no penalty legally or otherwise, should they do so. People/companies can put threatening sigs at the bottom of the message stating otherwise. But that doesn't make it so. (I always wondered why such statements always appear at the bottom of the message? Isn't it too late by then :D) As a rule- never send anything in an email that you wouldn't shout in a crowded restaurant.

There's probably more grey area when it comes to Internet surfing or other online activities. But the general rule is that The company's network resources belong to it. If an employee writes an hour-long rant online about discrimination against Islam and is fired. He can say that is was discrimination based upon religion. The company will simply counter that that employee abused company resources and should have spent that hour doing their job. In that hypothetical I'm not going to take sides. It would be wrong to fire someone based upon their personal views. But if it's personal, leave it at home.
Companies don't keep tens of thousands of dollars of equipment transferring tera-bytes of data running smoothly so that Joe Blow can check his myspace page, or fill their file-server with illegal MP3's

Just my 2 cents...
kernelpanic

[edit] P.S. I did not write this hour-long rant from work... :p