Who can enter my wireless system, I'm a little scared

[PeterM]

I'm worried about this situation. I purchased a WI-FI system from Linksys
from me to my grandson, who is using a Ethernet Bridge, so he can also play
on the Playstation and play on line. I don't understand all of it, but he is
having fun......I am pretty secure on my system, I think, but can I have an
intruder via my grandson's computer? or do they have to get into the system
via my setup first. I don't understand this at all. Maybe I can get just a
quick explanation, so I get scared enough to read more on it.....Many many
thanks in advance......Peter

 

[Malke]

I'm worried about this situation. I purchased a WI-FI system from
Linksys from me to my grandson, who is using a Ethernet Bridge, so he
can also play on the Playstation and play on line. I don't understand
all of it, but he is having fun......I am pretty secure on my system,
I think, but can I have an intruder via my grandson's computer? or do
they have to get into the system via my setup first. I don't
understand this at all. Maybe I can get just a quick explanation, so I
get scared enough to read more on it.....Many many thanks in
advance......Peter

Here are some links to help you understand wireless security:

Wireless - Basic Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html
MVP Barb Bowman on wireless security - http://tinyurl.com/56fc5
The six dumbest ways to secure a wireless LAN -
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/index.php?p=43

Also, make sure your Windows operating system has all security patches,
including Service Pack 2, a current version antivirus (not earlier than
2005 with an active subscription), and an active firewall.

Malke

 

[PeterM]

Thank you again for being so smart and ready to help us less informed
readers......Peter

 

[- Bobb -]

Peter ,
the linksys router came with a Cd - run it and give your router a name.
Then elect to NOT broadcast your router name. Others won't even see it as available
Also enter a password for the router so that if they DO know the name it still won't work.
The CD will walk you thru it all and www.linksys.com has walkthru's too.
Just select the model that you bought.

If you are a bit technical, you should update the firmware too ( recent update at www.linksys.com )

Bobb

 

[R. McCarty]

Maybe the best "Lock Down" is to use a security measure related to
MAC addresses. All Network Interface devices have a unique ID.
Most all routers allow you to enter MAC addresses that are allowed
to connect to your network (Wired/Wireless). To facilitate setting it
up, most routers can detect "Currently" connected devices and add
those to the table. The router manual should have a section on how
to implement MAC Address filtering.