Hi all, My current problem is trying to make sure that my system is as secure as it can possibly be because I'm going wireless while at college this year. I have avoided using my wireless features in the past due to my lack of knowledge about how to protect my computers and the information on them. Just don't want to deal with someone getting into my email and all that jazz. The network is already setup, as I finished working that out today. The router is connected to the modem, and there are two laptops and my desktop using it at any given time. I opted for the USB wireless device for my desktop so I could simply unplug it whenever not in use to avoid having it on while I don't want to be online. I also enabled security for the router, but I guess this where I'm not sure if it's the best it can be. I have the signal type as mixed, but it can be B-only or G-only (not sure if one is better than other). I also had issues setting up security using WEP encryption, so instead I'm using what my computer recognizes as PSK2. After writing down the lengthy password generated, all 3 of the computers can now get online. Big questions: -Are there any other places that I need to "lock down" on the computers, maybe buttons that need to be unchecked to enable sharing of files and whatnot since I ONLY want the computers sharing the internet? -Is there any way to make my surfing safer, or things I can do to avoid having my passwords potentially stolen (I'm smart enough to know basics of avoiding unknown emails and so on). Thanks for any help/tips/advice you can provide, and please ask any questions you have.
128 bit WEP encryption is what i/we use for the home situation. This is not to bragg but if you live in a two storey home with multiple levels and have three or more pc's then may i suggest that you take advantage of the signal strength of the router. Wherever the router is, all signals eminate from it yes? then use that central point and vary the signal strength to reach only the furthest/farthest from that device. If you live in a situation with very close neighbours that fall within this signal diameter, then you could start to worry, but it really should take very reasonable efforts to crack your WEP code. If i get the gist of this wireless thing, then almost no-one is safe and we should all go back to the "copper is best" scenario. Hope this helps.
I'm actually in an apartment building and next to a much larger one, so I'm not sure how much of a difference that makes... Also, moved my computer up from my old house, and installed the USB wireless receiver just fine, and last night after I used the internet for the first time, everything worked. This morning I turned my computer on and it got stuck trying to load my desktop, then i got the blue screen, rebooted, and it told me there was a boot error and i needed a CDROM. havent tried to restart just yet as i was heading out the door, but what are the chances that this is related to moving/wireless/hacking? thanks again.
To be a little naive on my part, i'd reckon your signal from the router may not be strong enough to reach "others" that want to piggy back your connection. If you limit the signal strength to it's lowest, your most likely in the pink (ok). These "band strength signals" are heavily regulated here in Australia, and are under the same laws as CB radios and the like. There is a consolation in all this signal strength stuff, it's that the signals have difficulty in passing through some building materials..(bricks and mortar and steel structures blah blah blah). You should be able to logon to your ISP and view activity of usage. This will either confirm or refute your suspicions. One last point you mentioned is that your having PC probs at the moment? get these cleared away and i suspect all will return to normal. Sorry for the late reply, i seemed to have overlooked the email link. What's goin' on and how'd you go? Have you settled the pc probs yet? etc..etc. Cheers.
