Can anyone explain WEP and if it's necessary to change it from my ISP default code. In laymans terms please.

Question

I was told I should change it since it's a default and the code may be known to hackers. Is that true and how would I do it? Thank you in advance.
Nic

Answer 1

This is probably going to be too complex, but I would recommend using both WEP and a MAC filtering list.

WEP is basically a password used to access your wireless internet. The problem is that it is very easy to break. This means that people can take your internet, making it slower for you. They can also do illegal things on your internet, such as download music illegally, and you would be the one at fault.

Every computer has a different MAC address. You can find your MAC address by going to start -> Run... In the new window that pops up, type in "cmd" (no quotes) and click "OK". In the new window, type in "ipconfig /all". You should see an entry that says "Physical Address". This is your MAC address. Somewhere in your router options (you can look yourself or search online to find instructions to find it), you should see a MAC filter option. Be sure you select ALLOW ONLY, and enter your MAC address. Apply the changes.

Making your computer pretend it's a different one is much much harder than breaking the WEP password. Some computers allow you to change your MAC address easily, but the hacker would still have to know a valid MAC address for your network. It's not impossible, but you would have to have a somewhat sophisticated hacker living next door to break into your wireless.

Here's a couple sites for you to peruse:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6603_7-5137425-2.html?tag=nav
http://www.informit.com/guides/content.asp?g=security&seqNum=64&rl=1

Answer 2

Essentially your WEP code or key (i think thats the acronym) is a password to access your network.

It comes with a default, or you can just turn it off. If you leave it as a default or turn it off, anyone can access your wireless network...your neighbors, somoene with a laptop that drives up to your neighborhood. They can do stuff in your name that you dont want, like hacking, spreading viruses, looking at children....

So you should go into your network configuration area and change the WEP key to something unique. I think the key is like 12 digits.

Answer 3

Yep, it's true! Read the docs for your wireless device to learn how to change it. Set a complex, random code instead of whatever the ISP set up.

WEP is not very strong so it's a good idea to change it weekly, by the way.