How do I encrypt my wireless connection?

Doozergirl

:wave:

I'm just setting up my wireless router (only taken me an hour and a half so far :wall:) and it looks like my computer has picked up the router now but the connection isn't secure.

My router set up gives me the option of WEP or WPA but it asks for encryption key or a PSK string. Where the heck do I find these

Please help!

superscaper

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121274

albertross_2

which router?

You make your own encryption key up, or https://www.grc.com/passwords

Doozergirl

It's a Tesco Special! Buffalo WBMR-KG54

I've read through so many of those threads now and I still don't really get it.

I clicked on WEP and entered a 10 digit hexadecimal thingy (thanks albertross) and it seems to have accepted it but my Network Connections are still showing that my connection is unsecured. (as is another neighbour's - though I'm dead jealous of the BT homehub I can see with a little padlock on it!)

I guess a phonecall to the manufacturer tomorrow would solve my problem but I'm such a spoiled kid, I want it now!

albertross_2

start, run cmd

ipconfig

note down the ip address of the gateway

then put it in IE

http://192.168.1.1 whatever it is.

If you have XP or vista, use WPA rather than wep, as it is more secure. Make sure you tick save or apply, and if you are doing it wirelessly your connection should drop, then tell your PC what the password is

It is best to use a wired ethernet connection to change stuff on the router, because it will stop the connection dropping when you encrypt it.

Doozergirl

Thank you

How many digits long should a PSK string be and what format (eg. hexadecimal) please?

Jzpop

Copy and paste a password from here -
https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm

albertross_2

Personally I think readable characters are simpler than hex, and they can be between 8 and 63 characters, the longer they are, the more secure.. 8 is a bit weak, 20 ok, 63 is very secure, you don't need to remember it, just copy and paste into a txt file, or generate a new one if you forget it, see post 7

Doozergirl

I did it! :dance: Just went for it with the 64 digit hexadecimal one.

I can sleep tonight!

Next question; this is only my PC that I've set up; laptop is arriving next week, fingers crossed.

Will I need to remember my new password for that? I assume it will be locked out when I get it?

Doozergirl

Spoke to soon!

It's flitting between 'acquiring network address' and 'not connected'

Why?!

C_Ronaldo

If you made a copy of the password in word for example just paste it into the box when it asks for the password