Wireless Encryption

[kheyanne]

When setting up a wireless network, always consider security. You don't want other people tapping into your wireless network very easily. Use encryptions like WEP, WPA, WPA2. Or if you wish, you can also do MAC address or IP address filtering too.

[bearhug]

These encryptions are inbuilt in most of the routers. So you would only need to check them yes.

Also, a home user does not need so much of a security like IP filtering as the bandwidth usage of a home user is also minimalistic. Thats why.

[kheyanne]

Encryptions are built-in to the router, yes. But it is never easy as activating it. You have to set a password, of course. And the job doesn't end there. After doing that, you have to put that same password on all of your wireless client computers. That's how encryption works.

If you choose WPA or WPA2 and your wireless client computer (like a laptop) isn't running on Windows XP or Windows Vista, you have to download a software update from Microsoft.

[hazephase]

Some of the biggest problems that people have is some one else tapping into there wireless and if you know nothing about the tech , like me you are in a problem , pls get some one to do it got you

[saubryn]

A lot of routers still come with the encryption turned off, so it's worth checking and setting it up if it isn't already on. Change the admin password on the router too!

I think MAC address filtering is worth turning on - unless you have lots of people visiting and bringing their laptops, it's a simple extra layer of security with minimal inconvenience.

[philipb78]

Do not use WEP unless you really have to as it can be hacked very quickly WPA with a strong key ie a long mix of letters and numbers will be virtually uncrackable.

[ceprateek]

All these encryption are inbuilt in any good modem like D-Link and to protect your computer from outside world vjust use a good firewall and an anti-virus program.

[Smash]

If anyone's used NetStumbler or Kismet to detect wireless network, you would be surprised how many you see with an SSID of 'Belkin' for example. Absolutely zero protection.

Not good, criminals could use your connection to commit crime and guess who's door the Police will be knocking on. Not theirs.

[attagirl]

I would never solely rely on what the router has built in. I would take action on your computers end as well as this is the only way to guarantee that you are protected.

[ceprateek]

In computers you can only have software firewalls which are quite less effective as compared to hardware firewalls.