Is my connection/wireless network secure?

[Quacker]

Bought an interent radio over the weekend and set it up today - setting up seems a mis-nomer. I switched it on, pressed a few buttons and it worked! - I was expecting some difficulties lol.

 

Now I never set up the Belkin wireless thingy - a friend from work who understands this stuff did that. I was expecting the connection to ask me for some kind of password. It never did. I don't even know what it is/was.

 

Does this mean my connection is not secure and open to neighbours logging on?

 

How can I tell if it is secure?

 

How can I retrieve my password?

 

Am I being paranoid over nothing?

 

Yes I could ask the guy who set it up, but I am long term sick from work so will be a while before I can do so.

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Steve

[Tony D]

Sounds like you have an unsecured network. If it didn't ask you for a password, then anyone within range can log on and use your Internet connection. This isn't an issue if you're in a sparse area. However, if your neighbors are close by, they can tap in easily.

 

That only means that they can use your Internet connection to access the web. It doesn't mean that they can access files on your computer.

 

The easiest way to secure your network is to change the default router logon credentials, change the default SSID and disable the SSID broadcast. Additionally enable WPA security which will ask a user for a password to get onto your network.

 

Keep in mind that this only keeps the casual user off your network. You probably won't be able to defend against a knowledgabe hacker.

 

If you're concerned that someone will get into your computer, change the default workgroup, disable file and print sharing, and create a password for your account.

[Quacker]

Thanks Kelly - I don't think it will be an issue - out of interest, approx what type of proximity would someone be able to use my connection? - again one hears horror stories about hackers etc. - I just needed to know;)

 

Cheers!

[Seth]

It's paranoia.

 

Unless you have an extremely vindictive relative who is a master of computers, then no one is interested in "hacking" your computer.

 

BUT-If you live in an urban area, then you should have encryption on the router or others will able to use your internet. Nothing need be fancy in such a case. Basic 64 bit encryption will suffice.

[Tony D]

The proximity issue depends on the obstacles between the router and the computer. I've had problems getting computers connected to routers as close as 30 feet. On the other hand, I can see my neighbor's router and he's about 700 feet away.