Help me please, I am v v v confused.

gmrsupplies

Well, there I was viewing MSE on my bargainous Dell Laptop when I went in the other room and noticed that my desktop was switched off at the socket along with my NTL modem and Linksys Router, Well How can that be I thought, surely both the modem and the router need to be switched on for me to connect on my laptop. I then went back to my laptop and noticed that my connection on the toolbar was showing belkin54g, I switched my modem and router back on and the connection changed to my linksys. I presume that I have picked up a neighbours network so I went in to see if i could find anymore info and lo and behold, on the wireless networks available there are 3, linksys (mine), belkin 54g and SPLEEGE (?), i am able to connect using all 3, all three are showing as unsecured wireless networks with data encryption disabled.
I am now concerned that they and others will be able to gain access to my internet connection and do something naughty (!), can I do anything to stop them accessing my network? all i have is the router and modem wired to my desktop and the laptop running wirelessly. if i find out howe to do it, obviously i will endeavour to find out which neighbours networks are available and advise them too.


Hope you understand my ramblings !!
Thanks

gavsto2005

One question.

Is your wireless network encrypted and secured?

gmrsupplies

it is unsecured and data encryption is disabled.

gavsto2005

Ok, let me re-phrase. Is your wireless encrypted with a key?

gmrsupplies

Not that I am aware of no,

gavsto2005

You need to read this. http://www.overclockers.com/tips1105/ Then you need to secure your network ASAP, everything is currently open to the outside world.

gavsto2005

http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6329-1058551.html# Here's one specific to your router

jampton

I have the same router as you and it's easy peasy to sort it out - I followed the instructions that came with the router.

Good luck.

Sput2001

If your router is a relatively recent one, it should support WPA encryption, which is more secure than the WEP encryption as mentioned in the article above.

EDIT: Alternatively, cancel your broadband subscription and just log in to your neighbours' networks!