WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) exposed as insecure - mquadr.at provides a secure and comfortable solution
Users value fast and easy setup of wireless networks. Wi-Fi Protected Setup seemed to offer just the perfect
solution, allowing the hassle free configuration of a WPA2 secured network. Even though WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
uses sophisticated encryption, WPS itself is a major security risk.
In Dec 2011 knowledge about a security flaw surfaced that enables remote brute-force attacks to recover both the WPS
PIN (Personal Identification Number) and WLAN password (Pre-Shared Key).
It is advisable to disable the WPS functionality altogether in order to eliminate the associated security risk.
But what about the fast and comfortable WLAN setup, so valued by users?
Internet software products by mquadr.at include a module dealing with wireless networks for quick and secure
WLAN configuration. The module supports the following functions:
- disabling WPS
- creating an SSID (network name)
- selection of a secure encryption method (WPA2 recommended)
- automatic creation of a secure and random Pre-Shared Key (PSK)
- encrypted storage of network name and password
- establishing a secure connection to the wireless network
- configuration of both modem (CPE) and router
- support for both MAC and Windows
Our software checks all WLAN related modem settings and makes recommendations based on those settings. The WLAN
assistant clearly shows which settings or entries are to be considered secure and which not. This is especially helpful
when end users need to enter their own settings. After successful hardware configuration users can print out the
wireless settings or save them in an encrypted file (PSK file). This information can be used for the configuration of
additional devices.

See the example screen shot of the
KPN Installation Assistant
, a customised version of
m2webalizer – the do-it-yourself Internet installation and modem configuration software
.
ISPs and large enterprises can ensure fast, secure and comfortable WLAN setup for their users, when using Internet
software products by mquadr.at. We also provide ISPs with a standalone version of our easy-to-use wireless network
setup software. Here is an example:
Swisscom WLAN Assistant
Please
contact us
for more information about our
products and mquadr.at.
Related links:
US-CERT Warnung
TechLogon.com article