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How do I know if my router is secure?

15 years ago

I've just been reading another post on this forum about 'How to have laptop wireless' which I found very interesting. We have a router for our PC and also use a laptop and I'm a bit concerned that our router may not be secure because I sometimes get a message on my laptop saying:

Wireless network connection is now connected.

Connected to default (unsecured).

Signal strength: Very Good'

Does that mean the router has not been set correctly. A young lad from the shop fitted the router for us because we didn't understand it. Unfortunately the shop is no longer trading and I have no further contact info. So I have no idea whether it is or isn't secure.

I would appreciate your views on this.

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Comments (5)

bpgreen
15 years ago
Since the message says unsecured, you're not secured. I also don't like the fact that it's set as default. I usually rename my routers so people are unlikely to try to connect by accident.

The specific steps to secure it will vary somewhat by router.

Do you know what the make and model of the router is? If you post the make and model, I (or one of the others here) can find the manual, read it and "translate" it into something a little easier for a non-geek to understand.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
yes you definitely need to go into your router settings and change the default user name and password right away, create a very strong password of letters and numbers not a real word, you can tape that info on the bottom of the router so you don't forget it.

Usually the guide that comes with the router will guide you to how to set it up securely but as bpgreen said let us know and someone can help you find what you need.
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oliverp
Original Author
15 years ago
Goodness me, thanks guys. I really don't need anything else to worry about.

They didn't leave an instruction guide for me it but it looks like the manual is on one of the CD's, the 3 CD's are as follows:

Wireless LAN
USB Adapter
IEEE 802.11g
Driver & Utility User's manual Rev 1.10

Wireless LAN
Broadband Router
IEEE 802.11g
Users Manual Rev 1.00

Wireless Lan
CardBus/PCI Adaptor
IEEE 802.11g
Driver & Utility Users Manual Rev 1.10

There's also a short lead about 2" long with a male USB type fitting on one end and a female on the other.

Plus some sort of card approx 2" x 4"
It says on the front: Wireless 11g 54 Mbps
and on the back:
802.11g Wireless LAN PC card
IEEE 802.11g Compliant
DSSS at 2.4 GHz ISM band

Thank you so very much in advance.
owbist
15 years ago
Try popping the second CD "Broadband router" in the drawer and bring up the user manual. This should walk you through step by step. You will need a name for it as bpgreen suggests plus a good password. Be sure to keep this information somewhere in case you need to go in for adjustments at any time.

We have a 'Pink house' router unsecured near me but as no home is pink I cannot knock on the door and advise them of the lax security.
mikie_gw
15 years ago
I have a new unsecured one showing up here. I'm always happy to see those.
Less chance some kid will waste time hacking on mine.

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