How Do I ... Disable Ad Hoc Wireless Networking in Windows XP
Contents
Introduction
Ad-Hoc wireless networking (also known as peer-to-peer or computer-to-computer networking,) allows wireless devices within range to discover and communicate with one another. This can present security vulnerabilities, and negatively impact a user's wireless networking experience in the following ways:
- Ad hoc networks allow communication with potentially malware infected systems; in essence promoting the spread of malware.
- Man in the Middle Attack: Users with malicious intent may create an ad hoc network connection node to infiltrate or monitor connected computers, obtaining and destroying private data, while tracking all the network traffic you send and receive
- Evil Twin: If you have previously connected to a peer-to-peer network, your laptop will then advertise it is ready and willing to host similarly named networks in the future. This can pose a problem for those connecting to you, preventing their network traffic from being relayed to the internet.
The configuration suggested in the procedure below prevents you from automatically connecting to any new, unknown networks and refuses connections to all ad-hoc networks.
Procedure
This document will provide instructions to disable broadcasting an Ad-Hoc wireless network on machines running Windows XP.
1. Select Start ⇒ Control Panel ⇒ Network Connections
2. Right-click on the Wireless Network Connection icon, and select Properties
3. Choose the Wireless Networks tab, and select the Advanced button.
4. Select the radial button Access point (infrastructure) networks only.
Ensure the checkbox next to Automatically connect to non-preferred networks does not contain a checkmark.
5. Select Close. Select OK. Close the Network Connections window.
Disclaimer: The provided instructions are for information purposes only. Neither The University of Western Ontario nor the Division of Information Technology Services assume any responsibility for loss of use or damage to a computer system (including any data or software contained within the computer system) which is the result (directly or indirectly) of the application of these instructions. Any problems, questions or concerns not addressed by these instructions should be directed to the vendor and/or the manufacturer and not to The University of Western Ontario or any of its employees or incumbents.
©2010, The University of Western Ontario. Permission is granted to copy in whole or in part provided that due credit is given to the authors, Information Technology Services, and The University of Western Ontario.
