Things You'll Need:
- Have your computer or laptop handy so you can set up information as you follow along.
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Step 1
When you purchase any type of wireless internet products, a default administrator password is established to make the set up process easier. These default passwords are easy to find online and this makes it easier for the online attacker to access your system. Thousands of other customers who bought the same router as you also have the same default password, so it is a great benefit to you to change this as soon as possible.
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Step 2
You can log on to your administrator screen, click on the Wireless link. In the box that pops up, change your Wireless Network name to something different that only you and whomever you authorize to use it will know it. Also in the wireless SSID broadcast box (on the same screen), click the disable button. This will keep your router from broadcasting your router to possible would be intruders.
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Step 3
Your router is now invisible to passers by, but also to whomever would be using it. If at home or work, you need to tell it which network to use. On each pc, click on the wireless network icon in the Windows System Tray and then click on the view wireless networks button. Find the "Change Advanced Settings" button, click on that (should be on the left hand side) and then click on Wireless Networks Tab. You will see an add button, click on that and type in the name of the network you want to use (this will be the name you previously changed your wireless network name to.)You may have to click ok once or twice and then you should be automatically connected to your wireless network.
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Step 4
You also have the choice of using encryption software on your wireless network(s). There are two encryption types you can use: Wireless Equivalent Protocol (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). The WPA is newer and more secure than the older WEP, but either one would work to protect your network. How you set these up will depend on your system, but you can check into these once your have your network(s) secured.
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Step 5
A firewall will also offer some protection for your network. If an online attacker makes it onto your router they can not access the information on your computers, the only thing they can do is use up your bandwidth. Use a firewall on each of your machines.
The XP firewall is automatically turned on, but it will not block outbound connections. You can access free firewall software online or purchase one for your personal use.
Comments
LittleMomma316 said
on 9/26/2007 I never claimed that I was a computer expert now did I? I just learned and researched to the best of my ability! Thanks for your feedback though, it is greatly appreciated.
Writersblock said
on 9/4/2007 This is simply a broadstroke over network security that reads like someone who wouldnt know what hackers really do -- or how easy it is to crack through WEP security and simple phraseword passwords using WPA.
Clearly written for the extremely novice computer user.
Shama said
on 6/25/2007 This is a great article - a friend of mind once went through a terrible identity theft experience. Recovering from it is so difficult - it's best to protect yourself in every way possible!
revisitingnixon said
on 6/12/2007 Congrats on having this article be picked as the winner for the "Top Written Requested How to Article!" Check out the forums and see which other winners we have this week. Check it out at:
http://www.ehow.com/community/forums/forum_1728_ehow-winners:-article-requests.aspx
-Rich