Can other people connect to my jetpack?
Nstarche
Enthusiast - Level 1

When using this device.  Is it secure to just my numbers / tablets?  Nobody else can pick up on this hotspot, right?

0 Likes
1 Solution

Correct answers
Re: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 6620L
John_Getzke
Champion - Level 1

You may have to define what you mean by secure.

Jetpacks broadcast a WiFi signal which is "visible" to every WiFi antenna in the area.  WiFi is a standard that takes place over public radio frequencies, we all have rights to view WiFi signals.  However the default configuration of jetpacks is to use WPA2 which adds in wireless encryption. That way what everyone sees is only the raw signal and encrypted goop for data.  Only the connected client on the other end of the equation has the key/password to decrypt the traffic and make sense of the signal.  This is why we often hear that malicious users target your WiFi password instead of trying to decrypt the actual traffic in the air. 

Coincidentally anyone else who happens to connect to the same Jetpack also may have access to the data flowing through it.  There is no network encryption once a device is connected to the network.  That is why keeping your wireless password secure is important.  Its also why its important when connecting to public hotspots that you connect to the actual hotspot that you intend to.  Otherwise an imposter hotspot could be rigged up just to get its eyes on your unencrypted traffic as it passes you through to the internet.

More info on WiFi encryption and security standards here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/167783/htg-explains-the-difference-between-wep-wpa-and-wpa2-wireless-encry...

If you are really concerned about security for your devices then consider looking into a VPN client and server combination for them.  By adding in a VPN everything gets encrypted between your devices and the VPN server.  This would apply encryption at the hotspot level for even connected devices and is why its a popular solution for businesses with users who travel around outside of the corporate network.

View solution in original post

Re: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 6620L
John_Getzke
Champion - Level 1

You may have to define what you mean by secure.

Jetpacks broadcast a WiFi signal which is "visible" to every WiFi antenna in the area.  WiFi is a standard that takes place over public radio frequencies, we all have rights to view WiFi signals.  However the default configuration of jetpacks is to use WPA2 which adds in wireless encryption. That way what everyone sees is only the raw signal and encrypted goop for data.  Only the connected client on the other end of the equation has the key/password to decrypt the traffic and make sense of the signal.  This is why we often hear that malicious users target your WiFi password instead of trying to decrypt the actual traffic in the air. 

Coincidentally anyone else who happens to connect to the same Jetpack also may have access to the data flowing through it.  There is no network encryption once a device is connected to the network.  That is why keeping your wireless password secure is important.  Its also why its important when connecting to public hotspots that you connect to the actual hotspot that you intend to.  Otherwise an imposter hotspot could be rigged up just to get its eyes on your unencrypted traffic as it passes you through to the internet.

More info on WiFi encryption and security standards here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/167783/htg-explains-the-difference-between-wep-wpa-and-wpa2-wireless-encry...

If you are really concerned about security for your devices then consider looking into a VPN client and server combination for them.  By adding in a VPN everything gets encrypted between your devices and the VPN server.  This would apply encryption at the hotspot level for even connected devices and is why its a popular solution for businesses with users who travel around outside of the corporate network.