If my router has 64 bit WEP and 128 bit WEP encryption and I have a McAfree Firewall will this stop intrusions

Question

Can people still be able to hack into my computer, if so are there more ways to fortify my security?

its a wireless router

Answer 1

Doing HIPAA for Security and Privacy, you have to look at security points:

To your quesiton: Any computer could be hacked given time (the question is how long before someone catches the hacker). That is why with broadband, people are more likely to be hacked than dial-up (too slow and people disconnect when unused)

Best Answer: The only way to protect your computer is not to have it connected to the Internet at all and no removal media installed. This is unrealistic though..

wLAN (WiFi/802.11x) has been out but some of the hand negociations are required which are not encrypted (like the initial handshake). WEP (wired equivalent privacy) is one "security" measure but is not very secured. Given time, WEP keys could be cracked with WEP sniffer. Best recommend is to look at WPA negociation which seems better than WEP. Either case, wLAN is not recommended if possible. (This deals more about your network than anything)

Software Firewall (like McAfee) are another solution from trojans, viruses, and malwares in your computer. Software firewall protects the computer that has the software installed. Also, it is a resource hog and dependent on your computer to perform. I would recommend a dedicated firewall appliance. Why? The appliance has it own resources and function to protect the network. Also, they firmware that is specialized for intruders. Will McAfee work? Yes but up to the last update.

Answer 2

yes there are usually ways people can still hack into your system...though, the more security you have, the more it knocks out the beginner and intermediate hackers. 128 bit WEP, no wireless connection, McAfee firewall = good enough.

Answer 3

Ultimately, NOTHING is un-hackable. Encryption is a good start. Having a router as a hardware firewall is probably your best bet. Firewall and spyware detection programs are secondary. All of these is probably the best you'll do.

Answer 4

Does your McAffee software include anti-virus capability? If not, get some.

But the biggest thing you can do is to be careful not to open unknown emails and attachments, not even pictures. Also be careful of what web sites you go to. If you are not careful about these things you are basically inviting viruses and worms into your machine, bypassing your firewall.