Network Security

[ScouseMick]

hi all,
i have just discovered that my wireless network is NOT password protected.
can anyone help me by telling me how to put a password on it
cheers
Mick

[Kymmy]

You either need to enable WEP (uses a 40-64-128 or 152 encryption key) or enable WPA which needs a password, this can be found on the router/Access point and the PC's need to have the same information put into thier network client.

As it varies from router to router and PC to PC you;ll either have to tell us your router/wireless card models or check up the manuals

[ScouseMick]

Originally Posted by Kymmy

You either need to enable WEP (uses a 40-64-128 or 152 encryption key) or enable WPA which needs a password, this can be found on the router/Access point and the PC's need to have the same information put into thier network client.

As it varies from router to router and PC to PC you;ll either have to tell us your router/wireless card models or check up the manuals

& in english that means?

[Raistlin]

I thought that was quite a simple explanation.

Look at the instructions for your router, find the bit that describes how you apply encryption to the connection, choose WPA (not WEP, it barely offers any security and can be cracked in less than 5 minutes), choose a good pass phrase (not a dictionary word - use upper case, lower case, numbers, and special characters) and then you should be good to go.

[Dai]

And in the meantime, what's your postcode..

What router have you got Mick?

[kpanchev]

Originally Posted by ScouseMick

& in english that means?

In English that means go and find someone that knows what they are doing and pay them to do it properly

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by kpanchev

In English that means go and find someone that knows what they are doing and pay them to do it properly

I suspect it doesn't mean anything of the sort, but of course I would never wish to try to put words into Kymmy's mouth.

[Kymmy]

Why does an old tech support joke come to mind

[kpanchev]

Originally Posted by Rob M

I suspect it doesn't mean anything of the sort, but of course I would never wish to try to put words into Kymmy's mouth.

I don't want to put any words in anyone's mouth, but obviously the OP does not understand anything about the matter, a simple explanation like Kymmy's should be enough, if not, it means he/she is not up for the job, better ask a specialist to do it...

[Raistlin]

Or.....and this may be a rather radical idea.....the OP might like to learn to do it themselves, thereby increasing their own knowledge/skill and saving some money in the process.....

[Kymmy]

I'm a great believer in RTFM. if at that point you can't do it then put your hands in your pocket and at least beer token someone to talk you through it

[Toto]

It's the "I just discovered" bit that worries me, what's he found out

Here's a basic guide for you, read it in conjunction with your router manual.

http://netsecurity.about.com/od/hack.../aa072004b.htm

[LondonRoad]

Do you know how to log onto your router? As already stated the default IP is probably in your manual. Open up your browser and type in http://192.168.2.1 (or whatever your router's IP is). If you post the make and model of your router you may get some pointers on what to look for but some routers are fairly intuitive. If you don't have a manual then google the make/model.... there's bound to be info out there.

[Dai]

Originally Posted by Toto

It's the "I just discovered" bit that worries me, what's he found out

Lol.. It's the warchalking on the lamppost outside that gave it away..

"Here be freebies"