Tech Support > Computer Hardware > Laptops/Notebooks > How to make Linksys Wireless B more secure
How to make Linksys Wireless B more secure
Posted by IS on March 8th, 2005


I have a Linksys befw11 s4.
I would like to make is more secure. At the moment all I'm using are the
factory default settings aside when I enter the IP address and enter the
router settings.

What can I do to make my router at least a little more secure. For all I
know my neighbors and anyone who passes my house are going on line through
it.

Any online tutorials?

Thanks

IS


Posted by Andrew on March 8th, 2005


IS <y@hl.com> wrote:
: I have a Linksys befw11 s4.
: I would like to make is more secure. At the moment all I'm using are the
: factory default settings aside when I enter the IP address and enter the
: router settings.

1. Turn on MAC Address Filtering. Each computer has a unique MAC
address, so you enable only computers that you have allowed on to
access the network. How this is done seems to be unique to each brand
of wireless router - look in your user's manual.

2. Turn on WEP encryption. This can be a pain to setup. It involves
creating four "keys" (strings of characters, like passwords) that get
set at the router/access point, and each computer that uses the
network must have the keys set. Once you get it setup once, it will
always work without having to type in anything, but it can be a pain
to get it working the first time. Again, see your owner's manual.

With the right equipment in the hands of a knowledgeable, determined
hacker, both of these security measures can be defeated, but they'll
keep 99% of the people out. In fact, #1 will keep 99% of the people
out, if WEP is too hard to get going.

Andrew
--
----> Portland, Oregon, USA <----
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----> http://www.bizave.com <---- Photo Albums and Portland Info
----> To Email me remove "MYSHOES" from email address
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Posted by Quaoar on March 8th, 2005


Andrew wrote:
Also, change the default base IP from 192.168.0.1 to at least
196.168.xyz.1 and change the default user name, SSID, and password on
the router.

Q



Posted by wbw on March 8th, 2005


Andrew <usenetMYSHOES@bizavemyshoes.com> wrote:
Well, "security" can mean different things. #1 will keep people from
using the access point for internet access or gaining access to a LAN,
but it still leaves traffic susceptible to eavesdropping. Of course,
encrypted web pages and the like will still be safe, but for some people
this might be an issue.

Posted by Chip Orange on March 8th, 2005



"Andrew" <usenetMYSHOES@bizaveMYSHOES.com> wrote in message
news:zcasdzcasdzcasdacc16823013411@bizaveMYSHOES.c om...
Why do you say 4 keys. I have mine setup with only one key, and it seems to
be working ok, is there an advantage to 4 (I see my Windows dialog has a
place for 4).

Thanks.

Chip




Posted by Quaoar on March 9th, 2005


Chip Orange wrote:
Linksys -b wireless routers generate four separate WEP keys from one
text passphrase. The -b nics only use one key, of course. I've never
understood the logic of four keys, but the Linksys nic software, if
used, will accept four keys. AFIK, there is no key rotation scheme.
I've never used the software to manage the connection but simply entered
a single key in both router and nic. Of course, four keys are
immaterial to the OP's question.

Q




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