i have the highspeed internet from embarq and i have a wireless router. i know that my neighbors (who i dont know) are using my connection. i have the windows firewall on, but i guess its not doing its job. can i buy a firewall program at best buy? will that work? and if anyone knows, whats a SSID and how do i find it on my computer? thanks.
2006-11-24 14:52:38 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
The problem isn't with your computer but with your Wireless router. Your Windows firewall is probably working just fine.
You need to log in to your wireless router, create a unique SSID (located on the router), and configure security. It'll ask for a pass phrase. Save the phrase or the converted hex string and the SSID. Then you'll need to configure it into your Windows system. Check the Wireless properties.
You might also get your MAC address from the windows box (Start, Run, Cmd. In the command window, type ipconfig /all. One of the items is your Mac address. Save that.) On the router, you should be able to restrict access to the router by specific MAC. Activate that and enter your MAC.
Once that's all done, your wireless router should be reasonably secure.
This site should have expanded answers that might help if what I said above isn't as clear as I'd like it to be.
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/wireless_secure.htm
2006-11-24 15:00:25 · answer #1 · answered by dm_gsxr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can buy a router that has a firewall built-in. But you should also TURN ON the Wireless Security feature and set a password.
If you have Windows XP with SP2, then you can use that firewall to protect your computer. If you are sharing files and printers, you should set each shared folder and shared printer with the appropriate user permissions. All computer user accounts should have a password.
If you do not have Windows XP with SP2, you can get Zone Alarm. Even the FREE version at http://www.zonelabs.com is an excellent firewall that will keep the prying neighbors out of your computer.
Once you secure your wireless network and use passwords on the computers, you will be much more secure
Good luck and Happy Computing!
2006-11-24 14:59:05 · answer #2 · answered by expansionsw 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want your neighbors using your internet connection, you are looking for something other than a firewall. What you need to do is enable WEP or WPA encryption on your wireless router. This only allows people who know the password to access your router and your internet connection.
The SSID is a name for your wireless network, used to identify your wireless network and separate it from other wireless networks. It is found on the router, not directly on your PC.
Also to help stop people from finding your wireless network, you can disable the broadcasting of the SSID. You still need to know the SSID before you can connect.
To really stop people from getting on your wireless network, you should
-use WEP or WPA encryption
-disable the SSID broadcast
-change the SSID
If your router came with a manual or user guide, that can help you secure your network. If it didn't, it may be on a CD that came with the router, or you can find some how-tos online.
2006-11-24 15:02:17 · answer #3 · answered by Bryan A 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A firewall won't prevent someone from using your wireless Internet connection, a firewall is supposed to prevent from someone logging in to your computer and accessing your information and other information as such, What type of router do you have, you should be able to prevent your neighbors from using your router, with software from the router company. If you let me know your router info I can further assist you. So your firewall is fine as it doesn't prevent a computer from using your connection
2006-11-24 15:03:52 · answer #4 · answered by brad_s_wells 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A firewall will NOT help with the theft of your connection via your wireless router.
It is a configuration problem with your router, you have it configured in a totally insecure manner.
I suggest that you read the manual the came with your wireless router for further infomation.
2006-11-24 15:05:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
uhm... ur neighbors using ur connection has nothing to do with ur internet. thats determined by the ISP. (internet service provider) and yes u can buy a firewall from bestbuy, i recommend
Norton Internet Security 2007
install that. it shud be 70 bux
2006-11-24 17:39:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Enable WPA Encryption in your router.
2006-11-24 14:58:52 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋