Computer Security Techs Please Help!?

Question

Our WiFi network in unsecured. Do you set up WEP or WPA in the configuration page or do you use a windows XP wizard to set it up or a combination of both? I am not a teckie and need step by step directions for dummies. Is there such a website?

Answer 1

you can find detailed info at cnets free online courses
http://classes.cnet.com

Answer 2

Go to the website of the maker of your wifi router for the explanation of terms.

WEP and WPA tend to be weak and easily cracked. They are better than nothing.

A bit more is to use the MAC adress system to only permit your system on the network, though I could sniff out the packets and grab your MAC and then clone it in about ten minutes, and I am very slow.

Passwords that are long and complicated and include punctuation characters and numbers are about the most secure form. Again, someone can copy the things and then spoof being you as a clone.

Anything you do will keep the 'honest' folks and the dumb criminals out. The smart criminals will be inside in a few minutes or even seconds, if determined.

Running a weird OS like one of the 25 BSDs or Solaris, or a Linux (700+), encrypted, with a strong key, can let you keep your data safe. I prefer http://pclinuxos.com but, also run Macs.

Answer 3

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.