Hey guys. Who knows how to set up security on a wireless internet connection? I just got hooked up yesterday, but Cox wants around $300 to set up the security, and The Geek Squad will do it for $200. Obviously I've already paid out the ass for all the connections and stuff, so I'd like to not have to pay an arm and a leg for security. Any suggestions?

I assume that you are talking about the security for a wireless router? Most of them should have a wizard that will help you put the security in place, but if not, give me the manufacturer and I will get a hold of a user manual and try to talk you through it. I, personally don't use wireless, but will be happy to try and give you a hand. :)

Jen, give ZoneAlarm a whirl--there's a free trial available so you can decide whether or not you like it.

Also,take Shakey up on his offer :)

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zaws.jsp?lid=home_artzaws

Yes, yes, I am talking about a wireless router. I don't know why I didn't think about there being a wizard with the router. I'll try that first. :lol: Thanks, Shakey.

Yes, yes, I am talking about a wireless router. I don't know why I didn't think about there being a wizard with the router. I'll try that first. :lol: Thanks, Shakey.

No problem. :) If you're not already though, BrandyBlue is right about the firewall. There's a full list of good free one's in the "Freeware and Stuff" thread. ;)

Firewall security is good and will secure your PC over the internet. And the router can probably function as somewhat of a physical firewall too.

But make sure you secure the wireless signals too. You at least want WEP enabled. Make sure you change the SSID from the default and set the router to NOT broadcast the SSID. If you leave it open and broadcasting, any old git with a wireless card can pick up your signal. Make them pay for their own connections :)

Hey, thanks Bogie. :)

any old git with a wireless card can pick up your signal. Make them pay for their own connections :)

Yup, war driving is not allowed!

Yup, war driving is not allowed!
You were obviously never on a German autobahn during rush hour... :D

I have set my WLAN router to "idle after XX seconds" - not only because I'm on a volume-based connection but also to detect unwanted data streams in case that someone has actually hacked into my WLAN or any trojan progs are trying to use my PC as a zombie machine. Okay, once the router gets into hibernation, it takes a few seconds to wake it up again, but I can live with that.

And...whenever you turn off your computers, turn off the router, too.

Wave, Airsnare (http://home.comcast.net/~jay.deboer/airsnare/) looks like it would add a nice level of protection for wireless users. I haven't used it, because I don't use wireless, but I have been curious about what it's capabilities were.