India Broadband Forum

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Hi,
Some internet service providers offer wireless broadband connectivity, using plugin USB devices/data cards.

When we configure a wireless router for our home usage, we employ security features like WEP/WPA. Do wireless broadband services offer similar security features...? Would it be good to use wireless broadband for services such as internet banking..?

Unless I missed, I did not see information about this point on providers' site. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help and attention.

just4kix

Wimax or Wireless datacards/USB is totally different than wireless routers.

In case of wireless routers, you are creating a wireless network to which anyone can log in. Such a networj is created by a Wireless router or Wireless Access Point. Hence it is your job as the administrator to ensure that you implement security measures that will ensure than only you and those who you authorise, are able to connect to your network.

In case of wireless broadband connectivity using plugin USB devices/data cards, the wireless network is already created by the ISP and you just log in. You are not creating any wireless network; rather you are just logging in to the existing network. Since your plug-in device does not generate any network you do not have to do anything.

However, any USB pen (thumb) drive can be converted into a wireless transmitter and then it is possible to create a wireless computer to computer network. If you do this you must ensure than it is secured.

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Admin

It is not very tough to create a replica of a data card or a usb modem and connect using some else's account but to be honest that not something you should be worried about coz that is very unlikely to happen as the speed on those connections is around 100kbps and any self respecting hacker would not steal such a petty thing.

On the other hand when you do are using your data card or usb modem and I think thats what you are worried about... that some one can hack into your computer... well thats very much possible but the possibility is the same as you would have while using a wired connection.

Have good internet security suite.. pay for it an keep it updated.

Nothing on the net is secure.... and it is possible to break into the most secure servers if some one really wants to do it.... except a few exceptions.

Just use good strong passwords... dont save sensitive data on your hard drive and keep your security on and dont click on links just for the sake of it and keep images off in e-mails thats it for now