Wireless password protection

Jolly_Roger

Although my Netgear router is password protected, my American niece was still able to use the wireless signal to access the internet from her freestanding laptop. It identified our network and also that of our neighbours, but his was password protected and so she could not access the signal. Interestingly, when she stayed with her grandmother, she was also able to access open wireless networks on either side of that house too!
My question is: is password protecting the router, but not the network, sufficient security for my own internal network? If not, how do I go about introducing a password to restrict access to the network?

ShaunJUK

No it isnt, you need to access the router settings and enable the security functions, if you post your router details, myself or someone else will point you in the direction of some easy to follow instructions

joshm_2

Keep an eye out for settings relating to WEP key (e.g. 64 or 128 bit) or WPA encryption. That's what you need to enable. Anyone wanting to connect to your network will then need to know the key in order to use it.

happyhunter

From your post, I think the password protection you currently have on the router is only to stop people accessing your router settings and changing the config.
You need to have WPA or WEP protection added, and to stop people even finding your network you can include MAC filtering. But make sure you add your PC/laptop's MAC ID to the router before enabling this option.

wonka

happyhunter wrote:

...to stop people even finding your network you can include MAC filtering...

I believe the network name is still broadcast even if you use MAC filtering.

Of course, MAC filtering will only allow permitted devices to access the network, and stops casual hackers. Not 100% foolproof though, since MAC addresses can be spoofed, hence the use of WPA/WEP as you mentioned.

Jolly_Roger

I think I follow what you say!
I have a Netgear DG834G 54 Mbps.

Chippy_Minton

For setting up wireless security on the DG834G, see http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=142390.

I have that router too so will be able to help if you have any problems.

Jolly_Roger

Thanks very much for that Chippy. Once I get rid of this horrible cold and cough, I shall implement that!