How secure is my Network?

cepheus

For the last year I have accessed the internet on my laptop via cable attached to my router because I rarely use the Internet outside one room. However, after reseting my router due to a speed problem it seemed to have reactivated the wireless transmitter on the router.

To see if this was the case I connected for the first time today without the ethernet cable, and attempted to connect wirelessly via control panel and the O2 signal. It asked for a password or something similar. This turns out to be the WEP number on the back of the router. It connected, so it is most definitely beaming information all over the place something I hate.

The question is how secure is this?

When joining my provider last year, I originally asked O2 to switch the router wireless off from their end since it had little purpose and it unecessarily reduced security. However they don't seem to be too interested this time.

(Finding how to change the router to non-wireless mode prooved near impossible, even O2 couldn't work out how to do this)

TadleyBaggie

WEP isn't very secure at all. It might stop casual access, anyone who was determined to access you network could probably break in quite quickly.

macman

O2 cannot remotely switch your wireless function on the router on or off-that is done by you via the router interface.
As above, WEP is hackable in minutes and not secure-switch to one of the WPA variants, which your router will support.

spadoosh

TadleyBaggie wrote: »

WEP isn't very secure at all. It might stop casual access, anyone who was determined to access you network could probably break in quite quickly.

Irrespective, if someone wanted to break into any computer it could be done quite quickly.

The most likely worst case scenario is some 13 yr old piggy backing off your wifi signal.

Connecting to your network will be the easiest bit, obtaining info from it will be a lot harder especially as your on laptop and i would assume its closed down when not on!?!


It's safe to use a wireless router, you would be extremely unlucky (like unlucky like winning the lottery odds unlucky) If any data was taken from your laptop. Like i say the worst thats going to happen is youll be sharing your interenet bandwidth (not many people can break past a wep without being in your house)

PERFECTLY SAFE TO USE!!! (try to be a little less paranoid youve got as much chance of being stabbed in the street and you dont wear a stab vest do you!?!)

macman

But, since WPA should be available on your router, it would be better to use it.
WEP is better than an open network though.

Notmyrealname

WEP might as well be an open network. 10 seconds to crack it typically.

cepheus

macman wrote: »

O2 cannot remotely switch your wireless function on the router on or off-that is done by you via the router interface.
As above, WEP is hackable in minutes and not secure-switch to one of the WPA variants, which your router will support.

They can switch it on and off their end because I have just asked them to do this without me touching a thing! The yellow wireless light goes off on the router.

Unfortunately I can only switch the wireless back on through the Interface but not back off without them. Bizarre.

Regarding security, O2 said I could switch of the identifying signal so it wouldn't show up. That's all they recommended.

Anyway I am back on cable now!

fiddiwebb

cepheus wrote: »

They can switch it on and off their end because I have just asked them to do this without me touching a thing! The yellow wireless light goes off on the router.

Unfortunately I can only switch the wireless back on through the Interface but not back off without them. Bizarre.

Regarding security, O2 said I could switch of the identifying signal so it wouldn't show up. That's all they recommended.

Anyway I am back on cable now!

Are you sure that they can switch your wireless off on your router from their end?

New one on me if they can :huh:

cepheus

fiddiwebb wrote: »

Are you sure that they can switch your wireless off on your router from their end?

New one on me if they can :huh:

Yes they did it 6 months ago as well! It's about the only thing I am sure of! It's probably because O2 have their own router box, doubt if they could with any other type.

penrhyn

You learn something new every day, whats the make and model of you router?

PS sez here:

1. Open an internet browser (like Internet Explorer or Firefox).
2. Go to o2.wirelessbox.lan.
3. Click on ‘Home Network’, from the left-hand menu.
4. Click on ‘WLAN: O2 Wireless’.
5. If the ‘Interface enabled’ box is ticked, that means your wireless is switched on. You can tick and untick the box to switch your wireless signal on and off.
6. Click ‘Apply’ to save any changes.

macman

cepheus wrote: »

Yes they did it 6 months ago as well! It's about the only thing I am sure of! It's probably because O2 have their own router box, doubt if they could with any other type.

The only way that could have done this is by installing remote access software ~(such as LogmeIn) onto your PC, and then logging into the router interface from your web browser..
They cannot log directly into the router and alter any settings.
You presumably have the standard Thomson TG585 router?