best ways to secure my wireless internet connection?

Question

I have bt homehub and i think my neighbour is a bit of computer wizz. she implied there are ways round most methods.

Answer 1

Whilst the BT Home Hub doesn't use the strongest encryption there is, it is still secure, and unless your neighbour knows your passkey, she won't be able to get in (unless she is very good).
Yes there are ways round the WEP encryption etc, but I don't think even the most serious/committed hackers would bother with a home environment.
You can disable the SSID publishing, but most wireless software packages now can still see the SSID, even if hidden.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Ultimately all home wireless can be hacked by a very skilled professional hackers. However, I'd bet your neighbour isn't one of them - she may be a computer whizz but the chances of her hacking your wireless network if its properly set up are close to zero.

Ideally you need to implemenet ALL of the following on the router:

1. Change the administrator password on yor homehub from the default to something that is hard to guess
2. Change the default SSID to one of your choosing.
3. Switch off SSID broadcast.
4. Use the strongest encryption available. WPA-2 is best (but probably not an option on the homehub), WPA is next best, then WEP (128 bit is better than 64 bit).
5. Implement MAC filtering - this ensures only the computers you designate can access your router.

It sounds complicated but is all do-able if you set aside an hour and read the homehub manual carefully.

Answer 4

hi Miss the best way to secure your wireless router is to
1. Put a Strong admin password for getting into the router.

2. Change the defalut SSID Broad caste name to something else

3. Disable SSID Broad caste

4. Enable WEP Security with a 20 Character or long pass phrase instead of password.

5. Enable MAC Addrees filtering over it.

If you find any of the above like greek and latin you can always get back to me for further details.

Answer 5

Most wireless routers are configured through your Internet browser. So you must connect your wireless router to a computer.

Type your router's IP address into your browser's address bar. You can find the IP address in your router's manual. You'll be prompted for a user name and password. These will also be listed in your manual.

You want to use WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption to protect your network. You'll typically see this setting as WPA-PSK (pre-shared key). You'll be prompted to enter a password of eight to 63 characters--letters, numbers and symbols. The router will use the password to build an encryption key.

WPA2 is the latest and safest version of WPA. The only weak point of WPA2 is your password. So make it as strong as possible. Here is a tip that will help.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx

Your router may use WPA, the forerunner to WPA2. If so, be sure your password has at least 21 characters.

The earliest security standard is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). Don't use that; it is easily broken. Check the router manufacturer's site for updates. If there aren't any, don't use the router to go online.

Now you must update your computers. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click Wireless Network Connection. Select Properties from the pop-up menu and select the Wireless Networks tab. You should see your network listed under "Preferred networks." Select it and click Properties. If it's not listed, click the Add button. In the box labeled "Network name (SSID)," enter your network's name.

Under Network Authentication, select WPA-PSK. Select AES under "Data encryption." Under "Network key," enter the same password you used for your router. You must enter it twice to confirm it. Make sure "The key is provided for me automatically" is not checked. Click OK>>OK.

Answer 6

The BT homehub comes with security built in, I take it you had to enter the number off the bottom of it when you set it up?

Just ignore her, she's being a smart ****, you've got nothing to worry about. Anyone who says otherwise is scaremongering or clueless.

Wireless security risks are always played up, yawn...

Answer 7

its your lucky day,i have a bt home hub and i can assure you as long as you dont give out your w.e.p(wireless encryption protocol) key,you should be fine
you will find your w.e.p key on the back of the hub in the grey box
it is possible to change this key,but i would not explain this on answers for obvious reasons,if you want me to explain the method send me a e-mail and i will send the instructions back to you personally
i change my wep key once a fortnight to be sure of a secure wireless connection,but once you learn how to change the key yourself you can do it twice a week or once a month,the choice is yours
so dont listen to your neighbour,he,s incorrect,bt broadband is one of the most secure wireless routers avalible
good luck

Answer 8

Your neighour's right, but it needs to be put in some context - are you doing top-secret work or just browsing for Tesco's opening times? The article at the link is quite old, but it's got some useful information. I think the trick is to decide what level of security you need and then apply it.

Answer 9

u r supposed to pay some bucks for that.....
jus purchase a jammer that'll allow only the authorised person to access .....so by that ur neighbour is not able to access it ....

Answer 10

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