wireless security

velvetybubbles

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

penrhyn

Anyone will be able to see your wireless signal, if you like you can use a programme called inSSIDer (free download) to do so although it probably only works with windows.
However if you have set up a password then unless you tell someone what it is they wont be able to log on.

trets77

in the top bar there is a wireless icon (top right of your screen) , click this and there will be a tick next to network you are connected on . if there is a padlock then it has some security .

how good this security is depends on the type of encryption your router is using , ( WEP = Poor , WPA or WPA2 = good ) and the strength of your Network key . if you haven't changed your routers network key from it's out the box setting then you need to remedy it, as you are wide open for attack , no matter what encryption you are using . also if you have it set to something simple like "password1" ect .

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/121274


this free program , can let you see everything do with your network with a few simple clicks

http://www.wlanbook.com/mac-os-x-wifi-scanner-snow-leopard/

dave2

Dig out the manual and find out how to connect to the router's configuration screen. You will need what looks like a web address plus the router's administrator username & password (usually either stuck to the manual or on a sticker under the router).

Enter the web address into your web browser (it maybe something like http://192.168.0.1/ or http://mynetgear/ - if it's the first kind it will very likely start with 192.168). You'll be prompted for the username and password.

Now the page you're looking for varies by manufacturer, and sometimes can be a bit buried. It will probably mention "Wireless Action Point" and/or "security".

You're basically looking for a box somewhere to say that it is using "WPA-PSK" encryption (or better yet, "WPA2"). Near this should be an option to change the password, which you should consider if yours is something daft like "default" or whatever.

A second consideration is whether to broadcast the network name (a.k.a. "SSID"). Ideally you would want to set this to no, but in practice this usually causes problems keeping the connection so most have to leave it on.

You MAY also have an option to set MAC filtering, which basically means you can set specific wireless devices that are allowed to connect. This isn't so common and can be a pain however.

BTW if you end up having problems getting back to the router configuration screen, there will be a factory-reset pinhole somewhere on the box, and also I suggest having an Eithernet cable handy to physically connect to it if necessary.

loulou41

I emailed sky regarding the wireless security as I log in the first time using the netwok key. I was told I need not do anything as the router is secured as it is. Do I leave it as it is or do I need to get into the router and change the network key with my own password? Thanks

trets77

. in no Padlock, = no security . which means you have a wide open Network , which people could do all sorts of bad things with, if they connect to it .

DO NOT LEAVE IT UNSECURED !!! you need to get it locked down . download the Wifi scanner program i linked earlier and it well tell you what the settings are with your network ( but isn't a tool to change them ) . under interface info , it will tell you what security the Network you are on , has . this program does not have a padlock , next to the network ect , that is your OS ( i assume Snow Leopard OSX) way of letting you know at a glance if the network is secure.



the issue here is not with your Mac , it's with your wireless router . you need to get into the Routers set up ( usually by typing a address into a browser) and enable the encryption and set a Network Key . it will display like a webpage and may need a user name and password to get into it . if you have never got into it before , it will be it's default login from out of the box . it is advisable you also change this while you are setting up security and a network key .

who is your ISP and what make is your Router . your ISP may be able to help you set up your wireless security , if they have a help line .

better yet do you the manual of your Router !!

trets77

loulou41 wrote: »

I emailed sky regarding the wireless security as I log in the first time using the netwok key. I was told I need not do anything as the router is secured as it is. Do I leave it as it is or do I need to get into the router and change the network key with my own password? Thanks

depends . you must have had to type in the network key to connect wirelessly . how strong was the network key ?

penrhyn

Sky supply their routers already set up with WPA2 security, The SSID is in the form SKY12345, and the Network Key is 8 random capital letters.
If the user wishes they can log in to the router and change either or turn the wireless signal off.

verystupidwithmoney

Wireless isn't 'secure' by design and you must accept this when using the technology. The only way to really secure wireless is to run IPSEC, however, this is complicated and largely unsupported.