Computer Guru's please..

[Fastmofo]

I've been using this wireless for a bit, it's a NETGEAR, I want to SECURE it so no one can access it saving me from potential problems down the road. I know a bunch of you fellas and ladies are much more 'puter Savvy, so thanks for the help in advance..
jordan:-patriot:

[fillmore]

instructions should all be right there in your particular setup booklet. add a pro version or two of a software firewall too and youre set.

[needan04goat]

so you're using a netgear router? you should be able to type http://192.168.0.1 - anyone correct me if i'm wrong - to get into the setup for the router. Within there, there should be a setting to enable a password in order to connect via that router. Sorry - not the best description... I'm sure someone will chime in here and help more

[fillmore]

http://192.168.1.1

i think.

[Steel Chicken]

theres lots of ways.
1) use some sort of password encryption. some are better than others, but for a home network any is fine. WEP is basic.
2) use MAC address filters - meaning, only certain computers can connect.
3) turn off SSID broadcast

I strongly suggest you do some googling on how to setup WEP and MAC filters, its too complex to explain over the internet like this.

[Interceptor]

Hey FastMoFo, here are some tips.

1. You'll need to disable SSID broadcast.
** This will prevent your router from broadcasting it's existence to the world.
** This is the first and most important level of security
** Even if you can't do the other steps I recommend, do this.

2. Turn on WEP (wireless encryption protocol). This will encrypt your data.
** You'll need to provide a "passphrase" - some word that is only known to you.
** You'll need to use the same "passphrase" on both your router and computer
** When you enter your passphrase it will generate a "key".
** This key needs to be the same on all computers you authorize to use the router.
** Use the 128 bit encryption setting (more secure)

3. Turn on MAC address filtering (optional)
** MAC is the hardware level (network intercface card ID)
** This filter will only allow certain network cards to connect with your router
** This is an extra and optional level of security.

Feel free to PM or email me with specific questions. I don't use the specific wireless router you do (I use Linksys) but the concept and rules are the same.

[Doric]

Interceptor - great guidelines. I use all three on my wireless network at home. Never had a problem.

I also use Linksys equipment.

[Fastmofo]

You fellas are the best!
Special thanks to Interceptor!!

[GamecoxGoat]

You want to use WPA if the router supports it. Way better than WEP.

[BlueVaGTO]

Hey FastMoFo, here are some tips.

1. You'll need to disable SSID broadcast.
** This will prevent your router from broadcasting it's existence to the world.
** This is the first and most important level of security
** Even if you can't do the other steps I recommend, do this.

2. Turn on WEP (wireless encryption protocol). This will encrypt your data.
** You'll need to provide a "passphrase" - some word that is only known to you.
** You'll need to use the same "passphrase" on both your router and computer
** When you enter your passphrase it will generate a "key".
** This key needs to be the same on all computers you authorize to use the router.
** Use the 128 bit encryption setting (more secure)

3. Turn on MAC address filtering (optional)
** MAC is the hardware level (network intercface card ID)
** This filter will only allow certain network cards to connect with your router
** This is an extra and optional level of security.

Feel free to PM or email me with specific questions. I don't use the specific wireless router you do (I use Linksys) but the concept and rules are the same.

Interceptor's advice is good. I would tell you something similar. However, some words from a networking guy....

I'm an MCP with over 20 years experience in networks and PCs. I like CISCO and Symantec's appliances. I like the CISCO PIX a lot. Off the top of my head, I've installed CISCO, Linksys, Netgear, DLink, Symantec, Microsoft, SMC, Belkin, and USR.

Wireless is not 100% secure...but nothing really is. Perspective: A great firewall costs $50,000...and $50,000 a year to maintain. So, don't let feel overly secure on a $69 wireless router. Be cautious....

Some specifics.

Cutting off the SSID only stops lazy people....

WEP is easily cracked. here's a reputable site...

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Sections-article118.php

You can google "Crack WEP" and get almost 250,000 pages about it.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=crack+wep&btnG=Google+Search

WPA is better if your devices support it. The keys don't last forever, and sequential keys are not related to the first key.

WPA2 is even better

MAC address is a good step, but useless against a determined hacker. They simply clone the allowed list...

I use Wireless and install it. But, caution is the word of the day....

Just remember, if they can crack the banks, the credit card companies, Microsoft, Intel, Ebay, and the CIA, they can crack you....

See Kim Komando's website for an intelligent, logical approach to understanding the current state of IT. She really is a "digital goddess."

www.komando.com


Wayne
JK Technologies
www.jktechnologies.com

[Doric]

I look at it the same way I do my cars. I have an alarm on my car not because I think it makes it theft- or vandalism-proof. It simply encourages the opportunists to move on to an easier target. I have insurance in the event that something does happen.

As for my wireless network, it's not hacker-proof; it just encourages the opportunists to move on to an easier target.

[BlueVaGTO]

I look at it the same way I do my cars. I have an alarm on my car not because I think it makes it theft- or vandalism-proof. It simply encourages the opportunists to move on to an easier target. I have insurance in the event that something does happen.

As for my wireless network, it's not hacker-proof; it just encourages the opportunists to move on to an easier target.

That's a perfect response... Unless a hacker has a specific reason to get through you, then he'll go for the "low hanging fruit." Move your "fruit" up the tree...

If they want you, they'll get you....

Wayne

[ls6gto]

I look at it the same way I do my cars. I have an alarm on my car not because I think it makes it theft- or vandalism-proof. It simply encourages the opportunists to move on to an easier target. I have insurance in the event that something does happen.

As for my wireless network, it's not hacker-proof; it just encourages the opportunists to move on to an easier target.

There are three easy targets within range of my apartment, LOL. They pop right up on the Windows XP wirless search - unsecured.

[Doric]

Oh, I use unsecured networks all the time. If I have my laptop in the car doing an HPT log and need to look something up, I'll just pull into the nearest neighborhood and wait for 'linksys' to connect automatically. :gr_jest:

[GTO_Scott]

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3725 6&highlight=wpa