How to set up wireless security on a home router

[rajatQ2]

Hi,
For a friend in chicago, i need a "How-To" guide from the web for how she can set up wireless security on her router. She didn't say what brand.

I know how to set it up but can't help over the phone. Just want to send her a web link. Have you seen any good ones? Someone stole her friendster pw :) Probably several more passwords too that were passed in plain-text.

Thx, let me know if you have seen such a web site...

[Itsme]

Thanks for asking this question. My next door neighbor told me he can see into my computer through my Linksys router and said: "There is an option for encrypting the signal that will not allow unauthorized users to even connect."

I'm not sure how to set that, or to what to set it to.

[rajatQ2]

Hey Itsme,
Sounds like you want to keep users out of your
1. network (you will need to turn on WEP encryption on your router)
2. local machine! This is pretty bad! If you're running WinXP, easiest way is to install service pack 2 and turn on the firewall. Otherwise install something like ZoneAlarm firewall.

Still looking for a guide to turn on WEP

[Itsme]

Hey Itsme,
Sounds like you want to keep users out of your
1. network (you will need to turn on WEP encryption on your router)
2. local machine! This is pretty bad! If you're running WinXP, easiest way is to install service pack 2 and turn on the firewall. Otherwise install something like ZoneAlarm firewall.

Still looking for a guide to turn on WEP

Thanks rajatQ2,

I have service pack 2 installed, and I have turned on the firewall. I was told that that isn't enough, that I do need to turn on WEP as well. Thanks for your help.

[rajatQ2]

hey Itsme,
If i were you, i would remove "File and Printer Sharing" immediately. Someone can easily drop a virus or rootkit into your machine (i'm talking about 2 minutes of trying). If you right-click on My Network Places and go to Properties, right click on your wireless adapter and go to Properties. You should un-check File and Printer sharing (Unless you're using it) to make yourself a bit safer. gluck

[mcs328]

RTM. I have a netgear router and after you log in to it, there is an option to turn on WEP and you provide the password. Then all the wireless computers need this password. I'm sure you can find the manual at the manufacturers website.

I saw a newscast recently where a lot of people don't turn on WEP and this guy was going down the street wardriving. Pretty scary the stuff he could do.

[Jcranmer]

RTM. I have a netgear router and after you log in to it, there is an option to turn on WEP and you provide the password. Then all the wireless computers need this password. I'm sure you can find the manual at the manufacturers website.

I saw a newscast recently where a lot of people don't turn on WEP and this guy was going down the street wardriving. Pretty scary the stuff he could do.

I know a guy that does that. Has a laptop with a wireless card, and a GPS with mapping software hooked up. The software he uses will try to find any open routers, gets the network name and saves the exact location on his map for future use.

[Itsme]

hey Itsme,
If i were you, i would remove "File and Printer Sharing" immediately. Someone can easily drop a virus or rootkit into your machine (i'm talking about 2 minutes of trying). If you right-click on My Network Places and go to Properties, right click on your wireless adapter and go to Properties. You should un-check File and Printer sharing (Unless you're using it) to make yourself a bit safer. gluck

Thanks, I took your advice and did as you suggested.

[mechmike0034]

Get the brand, model number, and version/revision of the router - there should be step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer's site.