I hope to move shortly and am thinking of getting such a connection. how can I be sure that no-one else is piggybacking and gets me into trouble over kiddy porn or simply slows me down?
2007-10-12 06:31:31 · 13 answers · asked by joe b 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
You can normally set a password - this is referred to as WEP - and without it others in the area will be unable to piggyback.
2007-10-12 06:34:33 · answer #1 · answered by Raygun 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sure:
Change the System ID: Devices come with a default system ID called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) or ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier). It is easy for a hacker to find out what the default identifier is for each manufacturer of wireless equipment so you need to change this to something else. Use something unique- not your name or something easily guessed.
Turn on (Compatible) Encryption: All Wi-Fi equipment supports some form of "encryption." Encryption technology scrambles messages sent over wireless networks so that they cannot be easily read by humans. Several encryption technologies exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally you will want to pick the strongest form of encryption that works with your wireless network. To function, though, all Wi-Fi devices on your LAN must share the identical encryption settings. Therefore you may need to find a "lowest common demominator" setting.
Disable Identifier Broadcasting: Announcing that you have a wireless connection to the world is an invitation for hackers. You already know you have one so you don’t need to broadcast it. Check the manual for your hardware and figure out how to disable broadcasting.
Enable MAC Address Filtering: Each piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier called the "physical address" or "MAC address." Access points and routers keep track of the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. Many such products offer the owner an option to key in the MAC addresses of their home equipment that restricts the network to only allow connections from those devices. Do this, but also know that the feature is not so powerful as it may seem. Hacker software programs can fake MAC addresses easily.
Restrict Unnecessary Traffic: Many wired and wireless routers have built-in firewalls. They are not the most technically advanced firewalls, but they help create one more line of defense. Read the manual for your hardware and learn how to configure your router to only allow incoming or outgoing traffic that you have approved.
Patch and Protect Your PC’s: As a last line of defense you should have personal firewall software and anti-virus software installed on your computer. As important as installing the anti-virus software, you must keep it up to date. New viruses are discovered daily and anti-virus software vendors generally release updates at least once a week. You also must keep up to date with patches for known security vulnerabilities. For Microsoft operating systems you can use Windows Update to try and help keep you current with patches.
Good Luck.
2007-10-12 15:34:27 · answer #2 · answered by usa2dav 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you'll be getting a DSL or cable-based connection - it will require WEP encryption. Basically, other people's PCs will pick up your wireless connection but will not be able to access your network without your own individual WEP key. The WEP key is provided by your ISP.. so basically it's a password that will keep other people off of your network.
2007-10-12 13:36:06 · answer #3 · answered by DirtyStallis 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have to enable Wireless security such as WEP. Just follow the directions that come with the router. Also ensure you change the default password for router login so no one can hijack the router.
2007-10-12 13:34:53 · answer #4 · answered by Kenny J 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Alright. As everybody said, it's all about encryption. There's WEP, WPA and TKIP, all offering different levels of security.
The manufacturer of your modem will give an ample explanation of the levels.
The question is, will your ISP support the level of encryption you want?
Do some Googling using "networking+encryption".
You'll learn a lot.
2007-10-12 22:02:52 · answer #5 · answered by PETER 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
set up some encryption on your router. I use WPA2 encryption which involves a simple passkey. Most routers are simple to set up via either software or firmware provided on the router. You would just have to read the manual for whichever router you have.
2007-10-12 13:35:18 · answer #6 · answered by djfear123 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get a WEP key or any kind of protection like that on.
2007-10-12 14:13:11 · answer #7 · answered by Matthew H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Am not sure if you can avoid that,
those devices are coming soon, like the personal
wireless phone the wireless connection maybe coded in some way.
2007-10-12 13:36:35 · answer #8 · answered by azrim h 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
im on bt home hub which is cript.if you use some others they are open which then means peaple can piggy back i think.
2007-10-12 16:19:52 · answer #9 · answered by neillwrckr22@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes with encryption
2007-10-12 13:35:22 · answer #10 · answered by hailey 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋