How do I check if my wireless router is protected?

onejontwo

Having come across a thread on here about an investigation for using another neighbour's wireless router, it got me thinking about how safe is my router which was installed a few months ago. My daughter uses it when she comes home from uni. and I use the desktop PC. At the time I installed the router I can't remember if I installed a password or not, but when the laptop is used it automatically locates and connects to the router without any password. Is this correct? And how do I check the settings to see if the router is safe?
I am on XP pro.
Thanks in appreciation.

CLAPTON

normally you will have a little icon that relates to the wireless network on the bottom line of your computer
try clicking that and you usually get up a screen that shows the networks available ... it will show if yours is secure by saying something like 'security enabled ' or similar.

Enterprise_1701C

Or, if that does not work, you can google the web address of your router and go into it through that - must be on a wired connection though. Put the address into the address bar of your browser and it should come up with the information you need in something like the Security section.

aliEnRIK

If it connects without you EVER putting a password in, then its not security enabled. But like webpages, once you have set a password you can tell it to 'remember' the password so it can auto conenct in the future
If you look at the list of wireless devices in your area, it will tell you if ts 'security enabled' or not