I have a laptop and need to secure the wifi. Other people are using my wifi. I do not want freeloaders help.

Answer 1

under your wifi settings is a security setting to keep other people from doing that .. you just set it to be secure against other computers and set a password.. really its easy

Answer 2

Sorry don't use WEP, its has known security holes. Use WPA instead.

1st thing, pick a password. You can use something like "cat" but dictionary and brute force attacks will crack that in no time. Try something like GRC's random key generator. (See source below)

Next, go into your router and turn on WPA. Enter your LONG password. Then on your laptop, go into your wireless connection. DISCONNECT from your old OPEN connection and connect to the new encrypted connection. It will ask you for the key. Enter it and you can now safely surf in peace.

For more imformation on Security - check out the Security Now podcats (weekly online radio show) all about computer security/vulnabilities.

Answer 3

Options that secure your wireless connection.

Wireless security - one version, WEP includes generating a unique key that is required for connecting to the wifi router.

Limiting access to the router through MAC Address filtering.

Answer 4

3 Things to lock down your WiFi

1) Enable WPA Security
2) Disable SSID Brodcasting
3) Enable MAC Filtering

The 3 things will stop Most freeloaders, Determined hackers may be able to get around, but it's not going to be worth there effort.


One other thing, whoever is using your WiFi is close by, if you know who it is, you can also ask them to stop using it (or even better to pay for there usage)

Answer 5

This was in today Kim Komando Newsletter. It might be available at her website but since I had the Newsletter I though I just copy and paste it for you to use. I hope you don't mind.

Barbara in Memphis, TN, needs help establishing her wireless network. She wants to keep her neighbors out of it.

A wireless network is perfect for your home. But it can create problems if you don't secure it. Often, manufacturers disable security options to make routers easy to install.

If your network is unprotected, you're begging to be hacked. Strangers might peruse your files. Or, your neighbors may use your broadband.

You'll need to change your router's configuration to lock it down. Each router is a little different, but I can give you the basics. I recommend you keep your instruction manual handy.

First, make sure your computer is connected directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. Next, you'll need to find the router's IP address. It will be something similar to 192.168.0.1. Check your manual under configuration settings.

When you find the address, open your Internet browser. Enter the IP number in the address bar. You'll be asked for a user name and password. They're in the manual, too.

When you get to the router's settings, you can enable security.

Encrypting your wireless signal is critical. Use WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access), if available. This could be listed as WPA-PSK (pre-shared key).

You'll need to enter a password between eight and 63 characters. Characters can be letters, numbers or symbols. The password will be used to create the encryption key.

WPA2 is the safest version of WPA. It is very secure. The weakest spot will be your password, so make it strong. Use at least 20 characters, including numbers and symbols. Avoid words found in the dictionary.

Your router may only support WPA, the forerunner to WPA2. If so, your password should be at least 21 characters.

Many older routers use WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). WEP is unacceptable; it is easily broken. If your router uses WEP, go to the maker's site. Try to upgrade it. If no upgrade is available, replace the router.

Your computers must support the same protocol as the router. You may need new network adapters if they don't. But again, check for updates first.

Now you'll need to set up the computers so they can access the network. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections.

Right-click Wireless Network Connection and select Properties. You should see your network listed under "Preferred networks" on the Wireless Networks tab. Select it and click Properties. If you don't see your network, click Add. Enter your network's name under "Network name (SSID)."

Under Network Authentication, select the WPA option. Under "Data encryption," AES indicates WPA2. TKIP goes with WPA. Enter your password under "Network key." Enter it again to confirm it. Deselect "The key is provided for me automatically." Click OK>>OK. You're good to go!

Answer 6

The software that came with your wireless router should allow for the inclusion of a password to access your wireless network.

Answer 7

Follow the instructions in your modem/router manual for enabling WEP.

Answer 8

Enable WEP and stop broadcasting the SSID. Easy beans.

Answer 9

If it's a lynxis router (spelling?), and maybe some other common ones, then you go to http://192.168.1.1 and set up the securities that way.

If it's a microsoft router, then you go to http://192.168.2.1 and set up the securities there.

Answer 10

Create a network key(password)
it basically impossible to get through