Is powerline networking secure?

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LANGALIST By Fred Langa An AskWoody Plus reader questions whether data is safe when traveling over common AC electrical circuits. Plus: Yet more tips
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There are two ways to answer the question, Fred.  Powerline Ethernet is no less secure from hacking and interception of packets as any other Ethernet.  If I can hack your Ethernet, I can hack your powerline Ethernet segment, too.

The second way has to do with physical security.  I do not recommend powerline Ethernet to anyone around here, because we have National Grid providing unreliable electricity.  We lose power all too often, even if for just a few seconds.  When power comes back, by its very nature there is a voltage surge as the electrons rush to fill up the wire.  Surges can be 140 or 150 volts or higher, enough to fry whatever is not connected with a VERY GOOD surge protector.  A power surge goes through the adapter and to the Ethernet cable, thence into the computer. Fried computer.

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Powerline Ethernet at home is in a closed electrical circuit and/or circuit externals like a garage. Unauthorised access to that circuit can only be done via:
1. modem router that’s connected to the internet – external
2. Wifi enabled within the router – external via any connected device if wifi is insecure or security key is known.
3. IoT/ Smart enabled devices that have powerline adaptors connected – internal (major flaw IMO)
4. Plugging in an identical powerline adapter to the electrical circuit – unauthorised access

1 & 2 are the most common and vulnerable IMO
3 is an unknown as yet (scary stuff)
4 is a possibility!

Some powerline adapters do not work with surge protectors AFAIK

Windows - commercial by definition and now function...

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