Making Wireless Network Secure?

Question

Okay, I know this has been asked before, but what I have read hasn't helped me much. I tried putting in the IP into the browser and that didn't do anything other than ask me for the user name and password-it didn't allow me to make one.
Do I need to be on a computer with a "plug in" wireless card that we bought with the router?
I have been trying to do it on my laptop that has wireless built in.
I have been getting a message on my laptop saying "There is an IP address conflict with a device on this network", so I am assuming someone is using my wireless router.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry about that....I meant to tell you all that it is a Linksys router.
Thanks for the answers so far-I am pretty sure I now understand!

Answer 1

connect the laptop to the router using a Cat 5 cable. enter in the address (linksys) 198.162.1.1. The default password is "admin" without the quotation marks.

Once in there, I would suggest

-change the password to something hard, see the SSID idea below.

-creating an SSID that is a misture of letters, numbers, and special characters. ($@yHeL10tH3r3 = sayhellothere). This will make it unique and hard to figure out if there is a hacker.

-Turn off broadcasting your SSID. This tells people that there is a wireless network in the area. It is basically a large neon arrow pointing to your router.

-Locking to certian MAC addresses, this can be tricky, but a MAC address is a unique identifier to each network card.

-Turning off DHCP is an option, but that means you will need to have a static IP and that could be "interesting"

-Use WEP, not WAP. WEP is more secure and starts at WinXP. If you cannot enable this on your system, you will need to install SP2 for XP.

All of these are breakable for some one dead set on getting into your system, but they will keep out 90% of the morons looking to get free internet or your data.

If you cannot get in using the default passoword or you mess things up beyond repair, get a paperclip. There is a reset hole that you can get into that will reset the router to "I'm new out of the box" mode. Then do all the above immediately afterwards.

If you are not comfortable with this, buy your local tech dork a pizza and some jolt cola. You may have a funny looking person in your place for an hour or so, but you will have a secure network, wireless bliss and some one always willing to help you out of corners you painted yourself into for the price of a supreme and a soda. Can't beat that with a stick. Warning: do not beat tech dork with stick. We have feelings too.

Answer 2

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!
I have more networking information on my site:
• Ghostly users on your wireless system
• Find out how to encrypt your sensitive files

Answer 3

read the directions that came with your router.. If you would have mentioned what brand router you are using i could have likely told you the user/pass.. for my dlink it is admin, blank pass.

Answer 4

Try resetting your modem(router). Should be a small reset button behind it.

Answer 5

Nice straightforward explanation here - http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelesssecurity/tp/wifisecurity.htm