Do you want to know how easy it is to discover hidden wireless network? Anyone can do it as long as they have a wireless connection and the software.

NetStumbler (also known as Network Stumbler) is probably the most popular Windows tool to detect Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) using 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g.

The program is commonly used for:

* Wardriving
* Verifying network configurations
* Finding locations with poor coverage in a WLAN
* Detecting causes of wireless interference
* Detecting unauthorized ("rogue") access points
* Aiming directional antennas for long-haul WLAN links

To use scan for hidden wireless network, just install NetStumbler on a computer or laptop that supports Wi-Fi. As soon as you start NetStumbler, it will automatically start scanning for wireless network. I am using the latest Belkin router that supports 802.11n. I set the router to only use 802.11n wireless mode, NetStumber is also able to detect my wireless router even though it did not mention that it support WLANs using 802.11n wireless mode in the official website.

As you can see, it is so easy to discover hidden wireless network using Network Stumbler. Here are a few better steps that you can implement to secure your wireless network better.

1. Change default password. This is definitely most important. At least 50% of the routers I configured is still using the default password.
2. Change default SSID name. If you bought a D-Link router, you wouldn't want people to know that you're using a D-Link router. This is to prevent hackers from searching for Dlink router exploits on security websites and use the exploit on your wireless router.
3. Use WPA if possible, if not, use at least WEP. WPA is a stronger encryption than WEP. WEP can be cracked in 20 minutes. There is even a video tutorial teaching you how to do that. Problem with WPA is, older device can't support it.
4. Control transmission range. If you have a powerful wireless router, it's not necessary to configure your router to transmit with full power. You're only giving more people the chance to break in your wireless network.
5. Use MAC address filters. If you only have a few computers, then it's better to use MAC address filters. MAC address spoofing is possible but people from outside wouldn't know what is your MAC address in the first place.

[ Download Network Stumbler ] 

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