What steps do I take to properly secure my network, so that no one else uses my high speed connection?

Answer 1

Check the documentation that came with the router. There should be instruction on how to set up a WEP (or WPA) password on the router. Can not give step-by-step as is different for each make/model and you did not give the model...

Answer 2

It depends alot on 1. How much security do you need. and 2. Is this wireless or cable?

#1 I'm going to assume this isn't a public terminal or anything like that because that would be difficult and unlikely. I'm guessing you have a home computer and you don't want the kids/roommates downloading porn.

So here is what you do. Make sure your operating system has an account that only you can use. And give that account and only that account access to the internet. If you want you can have another account which they can use, but which has no net access.

#2 If this is a wireless connection you are going to need W.E.P. encryption. W.E.P. stands for wired equivalent privacy, and it's good enough for home use.

Now if your problem is that your friend has their computer over there and plugs into your network directly that can get much more complicated and is much more a "lock the door to your room" problem and less a network security problem.
I hope this solves your problem. YIM me if you have more questions, or repost.

Answer 3

I agree with everything said, however, I take it one step further.

1. do like others say and secure your network(we assume it's wireless) by making sure it's secure with WEP or WPA. I won't ague which is better, something is better than nothing.

However, I go one step further.

2. Use a Wireless MAC Address Filter Table.

every network card has a physical address which looks like
00-22-WP-EC-23-3C

now using the filter, you place the MAC addresses that you will allow to access your router.

for example I have three listed, and if another pc is hooked to the network, I have to edit the filter table to include this or it will not work.

to find your mac address.

from the Command Prompt
type ipconfig /all

then scroll down and look for the section that is titled Physcial address.

then you go to your router and login as admin and edit the table.

just one more step to keep eyes out.

Answer 4

Do not use WEP as it can be broken in minutes by a knowledgable hacker. WPA is more difficult to crack, but is still crackable, but is a much better choice, and be sure to use a complex key.