Unknown Wireless User

Gareth56

I'm sure that someone is using my wireless broadband connection because when I check to see how what available networks there are on my router there are 2, mine and someone else on a diffrent channel and it's WEP encrypted. Is there any way I can't stop anyone from the outside using my connection as I'm concerned that they will hack into my computers?

Thanks
Gareth

PS any advice on how to set up WEP encryption would also be gratefully received.

superscaper

If someone is on a different channel and WEP encrypted then what you are looking at is available networks you can detect and that person is NOT connected to your network.

albertross_2

Scanning and seeing another wireless network doesn't mean they are attached to yours. WPA is far more secure than WEP, provided you use a long key.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471408&postcount=37

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471410&postcount=38

superscaper

If you are asking about WEP then I'm assuming your network is not secure and WEP is a feeble encryption method anyway. You should use WPA. Everything you could want to know about wireless is in the sticky http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121274

superscaper

Just beaten (partially) by psychicalbert again.

cledor

If you're concerned about security try to use WPA encryption, if your system allows it.

You can also log onto the config screen of your router to see what devices are attached to your network.

Gareth56

superscaper wrote: »

If you are asking about WEP then I'm assuming your network is not secure and WEP is a feeble encryption method anyway. You should use WPA. Everything you could want to know about wireless is in the sticky http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121274

Thanks for all your quick responses, I'm reassured now. With respect to WPA or WEP encryption I was told tat I don't really need to have that on my Apple iMac G5 as the operating system prevents any hackers getting in (someone at Apple told me that) however my PC (XP) and Laptop(Vista) clearly need encryption so thanks for the links.

Gareth

albertross_2

without encryption, everything you do on the network/internet travels across the airwaves for all to see, apple or not.

Antexter

WEP was origionaly used for keeping you connected testing a connection and stuff thats why it isn't secure.
always use WPA encryption or even better WPA2.

Gareth56

Further to my original post (thanks for the replies) I ended up having to telephone the router helpline to get a WEP activation key. So am I correct in thinking that to set up an encryption you have to get the key from the manufacturer?

G56

superscaper

Gareth56 wrote: »

Further to my original post (thanks for the replies) I ended up having to telephone the router helpline to get a WEP activation key. So am I correct in thinking that to set up an encryption you have to get the key from the manufacturer?

G56

No, when you go into the settings of the router you put whatever key you want (preferably NOT WEP, use WPA). Then put the same key into your wireless device/computer settings. The explanations are all there in the threads that were linked earlier. There's no need to phone anyone, I don't see how the manufacturer could give you a key which you are meant to create yourself.