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Originally Posted by Grizzly_Adams

Once you've got it secured disable broadcast of your SSID (make sure you change it from default too), then nobody will "see it"* anyway.

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I was trying to find out how to do that on my router and came across this in a setup file for the router:

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Wireless Router Security Connection Questions

Question: How come we didn’t disable the SSID broadcast? Won’t that help with securing my wireless connection?
Answer: It has been mentioned many times that disabling your SSID broadcast will help secure your network. The reality is that those who attempt to get into your wireless network will be able to easily pick up or SSID whether it is broadcasted or not.

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I can't see how to disable it on my router. (I won't go into whether "broacasted is a word. Orright, I will - I think it should be "broadcast". :D )

Skiming through the replies this is what I do:

1. Rename the SSID from default and stop broadcasting it - this is the simplest thing to do to reduce the possibility of intrussion - the default SSID is available on the internet if you know the type of router (and sometimes tells you what type it is)
2. Enable MAC address filtering for only those PC's on the network - this means only recognised wireless PC's will be allowed on the network.
3. In the DHCP Server only allow the same number of IP addresses as you have PC's/Devices on the network that are issued an IP address - router won't handle more PC's than you have in the house.
4. Use a WPA encrypted password - basic protection for network access
5. Set a password for the admin account - the default password is available on the internet (see point 1), make sense to change it.
6. Set a different IP address for the router than the default one - the default IP address is available on the internet (see point 1), make sense to change it.

Most of this information is easily changeable on the average WiFi router.

I would also recommend:
- Downloading the router's manual in PDF form from the manufacturer's website. Why? Because PDF is searchable and makes finding information easier (e.g. RAVE) and also you've got it on your PC and don't have to look for it.

- Not buying a WiFi router and ADSL modem combined. At some time you will most likely need to upgrade the WiFi (eg new technology) but not the modem or visa-versa. Also this allows you to even more effectively firewall the modem from the rest of the network (leave that for another topic)

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Originally Posted by p38arover

I was trying to find out how to do that on my router and came across this in a setup file for the router:



I can't see how to disable it on my router. (I won't go into whether "broacasted is a word. Orright, I will - I think it should be "broadcast". :D )

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:angel::angel::angel:

The lady next door to me installed free broadband and i've been mustering all of my IT ethics not to use it :D :D

Securing a wireless network is easy. We've had it going in a populated area for years now without problems.

If you protect yours it will always be easier for someone to choose a non-secured one. :)

This is a good site with lots of stuff about securing your connection.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by p38arover

I was trying to find out how to do that on my router and came across this in a setup file for the router:



I can't see how to disable it on my router. (I won't go into whether "broacasted is a word. Orright, I will - I think it should be "broadcast". :D )

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A dedicated enthusiast would be able to snoop out your SSID pretty easily, but most people aren't that dedicated. Those basic security features are the minimum you do, same as locking your car when you walk away from it.

I think it all depends on if you're planning your security to protect you from the spotty boy down the street looking for free bandwidth or if it's someone dedicated to making your life a misery.

In reality if you have that many enemies you don't want wireless anything.

I run 802.11a - lazy man's security - almost no one uses it, so it's less likely to be snooped.

Cheers
Simon