No graphical distinction between WEP and WPA encrypted networks

[João Neves]

Binary package hint: network-manager

The graphical interface for Network Manager (Ubuntu 8.10, version 0.7~~svn20081018t105859-0ubuntu1.8.10.2) offers no visual distinction between WEP and WPA encrypted networks prior to a connection attempt.

A visual indication (be it textual or simply a different "lock" icon) for the type of encryption offered could be helpful in some scenarios and would in general offer a knowledgeable user greater assurance that his data would be less exposed, since by today's standards WEP can hardly be considered secure against any but the most naive attackers.

[João Neves (sevenjp)]

Bug originally reported on the wrong package.

[Tony Espy (awe)]

What do you suggest? An differing icon could be misleading...

For instance, if you used two lock icons for WPA vs. one for WEP, the AP admin could still have set a weak passphrase...

Also, is this a real use case? Do you every go somewhere and choose an available WPA access point over an available WEP access point? I usually go some where and look for an AP I know about, or if I'm in a new place, ask someone which AP to use, and they usually give me a key or passphrase if required.