How to make my wireless network secure

Hi! Buddy

You need to refer to the manual that came with your router for the exact steps, it depends what brand/model router you have.

Here are some tips what to change/not change:
1. Change the web-admin password of your router (even if it's wired this is good) so not anyone can get into the config page.
2. Change the default SSID (name) and don't use something that identifies you, your location, or your brand of router to outsiders (e.g. "Home", "Cox.net", "My Network", "Wireless", etc).
2. Enable WPA-PSK, WPA-PSK2, or if those aren't supported MINIMUM of WEP128. Refer to the manual or call the manufacturer for directions.
3. Don't hide the SSID. It just makes your life harder and it's easily found out anyways.
4. Don't bother with MAC filtering, if someone can crack your security they probably know how to spoof your MAC address which will circomvent the filtering.
5. Don't use static-IP, it just makes your life harder. Anyone with the slightest knowledge about networking knows how to use a static IP.

The reason you don't want to identify your router's brand/location/owner:
1. Default passwords and settings are available online. Knowing the brand makes it easier to bypass these.
2. Knowing where it is makes it easier to get a stronger signal while staying away. This gives the attacker an advantage of getting a strong signal and being hidden.
3. Knowing who owns it makes guessing your password easier. Most people use names, dates, and other personal info for passwords (bad practice) and if they know you they probably know the things you would use for a password.

I also like to put a piece of masking tape on top of the router and write the SSID and web-config password (maybe encryption key too) so I can't forget them if it's one I don't usually use, or if I'm setting it up for someone else so they can't misplace it. This doesn't bother me security-wise because if someone can get to the router, they can plug a wire in and use the network without knowing the wireless key...it's not as if I'm posting it for all the world to see.

PS:
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You will have to access the Netgear configuration panel by inputting the IP address or URL, that they gave you, into your browsers "address bar". Make sure to use ethernet cable attached to the router and PC, do not use wireless to setup the router web page.

Type in: http://www.routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm
press enter
Username: admin
Password: password (both in lower case)
Press OK
The page should load. If it doesn't try powering down the modem and router. Power up the modem, then power up the router.
Once in the page set your security to WEP or WPA (not sure which one is on your device). After the security is set the router will reset itself and you will have to log in using your new code.

Hope this helps.

Hi,

There are several kind of security provided in Netgear Router.

1. MAC access control list
2. WEP encryption
3. WPA-PSK

Enabling MAC access control and WEP encryption is enough for your home network.

Thanks
Siju.D