security on Wireless Broadband

S

Streets

Registered User
Messages
19
i recently got broadband from BT. My girlfriend got a wireless modem type thingy (I'm not very technical!!). So its all up and running and i'm able to use my laptop around the house etc.
When i look at the status of my wireless connection it says it is an "unsecure network". What are the risks to this and how can i security enable this wireless connection.
 
Streets said:
When i look at the status of my wireless connection it says it is an "unsecure network". What are the risks to this and how can i security enable this wireless connection.
Click to expand...
The risk is that your neigbours could hack into your files, intercept your e-banking communications and use your Internet connection for illegal activities that would then be traced back to you.

WPA is better than WEP and for good measure, try and lock the network to the MAC address of your laptop.
 
Thanks guys. Ok i went into my wireless network security properties and when i choose "WPA2 - Personal" as the security type, i then have an option for the encryption type as either "AES" or TKIP". When i choose either one of those, i have another option to fill in the network security key - i dont know any "network security key"? Should BT have supplied this to me even though i didnt order the wireless modem from BT (i got it second hand for free from a friend).
 
Streets said:
When i choose either one of those, i have another option to fill in the network security key - i dont know any "network security key"? Should BT have supplied this to me even though i didnt order the wireless modem from BT (i got it second hand for free from a friend).
Click to expand...
No need to ask BT, the idea is that you invent one. Make it long but memorable, maybe with some punctuation characters. It's used to seed an encryption key. The less likely someone is to guess it, the better.

Then, on the laptop, put the same thing in there when prompted.
 
A key is just a fancy name for a long password. Use this to make a good one


Just be aware of that the settings on the modem, have to be the same on the laptop. Could you ask the friend you got it off to help you? He could probably take you through how it works in 5 mins.
 
Also worth removing the SSID on the router. Some of them default to the manufacturer e.g. Linksys which makes it easier for a hacker to guess how to get through.

An irish telco recently hit the news for supplier routers with a network SSID which contains a key in the name which could allow someone to bypass the router security.
 
I really appreciate your help but i'm still lost! Apologies for my lack of tech knowledge! i changed the wireless security type to "WPA-Personal", then i leave the "encryption type" as "AES" and i then input my own "Network Security key" as suggested by Technologist. then my wireless network will not work and says "the settings saved on this computer for the network do not match the requirements of the network". Where am i going wrong?
 
You're almost there.Double click on the wireless symbol beside the clock on the taskbar,click the"view wireless networks"button.Click on your network and put in your newly made password in the two boxes and you will be connected.When you connect double click the wireless symbol and click;properties;wireless networks,move your network to the top of the list and it should connect to your network automatically.
 
You're almost there.Double click on the wireless symbol beside the clock on the taskbar,click the"view wireless networks"button.Click on your network and put in your newly made password in the two boxes and you will be connected.When you connect double click the wireless symbol and click;properties;wireless networks,move your network to the top of the list and it should connect to your network automatically
Click to expand...

There must be lots of eircom customers out there who successfully changed their default key? There is not a whiff about it on the eircom site, which is par for the course but I would appreciate if someone knowledgeable could give me step by step help on how to do this on a vista machine, with internal wifi connecting to the standard router that eircom supply.

I can see 2 strong networks when I connect, and I have been using the strongest, which ever one it would be over the last few months, so I'm guessing the other is a neighbour?

Perhaps there is a site that explains this stuff simply as I must admit that I am fairly clueless in the area of wireless network security configuration and setup.

Thanks a lot.
 
Likewise, I have 'wireless' from Irish Broadband. There is an antennae on roof and the PC / laptop has to be plugged into the connecting wire which is plugged into the wall (I never got one of those wireless modem things!). Does this mean this is secure or how do I go about checking this?
thanks
 
musicfan said:
Likewise, I have 'wireless' from Irish Broadband. There is an antennae on roof and the PC / laptop has to be plugged into the connecting wire which is plugged into the wall (I never got one of those wireless modem things!). Does this mean this is secure or how do I go about checking this? thanks
Click to expand...
Wireless broadband from IB is completely different from having wired broadband with a local WiFi network to distribute the signal around the house, none of the instructons this thread would be of any relevance to you. But, I don't think you have any cause for concern.

rsob said:
can see 2 strong networks when I connect, and I have been using the strongest, which ever one it would be over the last few months, so I'm guessing the other is a neighbour?
Click to expand...
I'm sorry, I cannot give Vista-related instructions. I think you'll need to find a friend to help you. If you want to have another crack at it yourself, this is a checklist:

1: Know your SSID (the unique name of your home Wifi network).Guessing based on signal strength will lead to more confusion.

2: Set a WPA key on your router.

3: Try to connect your laptop to the SSID.

4: Enter the same WPA key on your laptop.

There could be many reasons why this is not working for you. Too many to speculate on here.
 
caff said:
You're almost there.Double click on the wireless symbol beside the clock on the taskbar,click the"view wireless networks"button.Click on your network and put in your newly made password in the two boxes and you will be connected.When you connect double click the wireless symbol and click;properties;wireless networks,move your network to the top of the list and it should connect to your network automatically.
Click to expand...

Thanks Caff. Unfortunately, i dont see any two boxes when i open the wireless network. I'm using Vista so maybe its all set out differently?
I'm sure its easy but i've tried loads of different ways and still cant figure it out!! Its driving me mad that i cant figure it out.
 
I have no experience with Vista but there must either be a wireless icon in the taskbar...or...alternatively it should be possible to access via control panel - wireless should be listed there. Once you do find the windows wireless monitor - just select your network (there may be others listed) by double clicking. It will then ask for the key or 'passphrase' and once you enter this you are connected.
I'm assuming your using windows wireless configuration software - and not that from a third party?

The other thing to consider is that with laptops, sometimes theres a button which switches wireless card on and off. Make sure this is on - otherwise, the icon probably wont appear in the taskbar.
 
Ther is a vista Laptop in the house,I'll dig it out later and give it a bash.Can't stand vista tbh.All fancy graphics and no performance(fur coat and no kn*****s)
 
Any point kicking off a new thread? Would like to get this sorted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top