How do I know if my router is secure?

17 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.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

bpgreen
17 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
17 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.
Related Discussions
How do I know how big my containers are?
Q
Comments (6)
You can also look for similar sized labeled containers that are for sale and get a good estimate of what yours will hold. Or, if yours aren't huge, line them with a plastic bag or tarp and start adding water from empty gallon milk jugs til you have your answer. For really big ones you could add your potting mix a gallon at a time using a gallon sized pail....counting as you go. LOL, all these no math ways from me who lives with math lovers and doesn't mind working through the math myself.
...See More
how to check if my wireless router/modem is 'secure'?
Q
Comments (4)
I now have windows 7- it seems a bit different, as there is no 'network connections' on the control panel list. I tried 'wireless assistant', and 'internet options'. On 'internet options' there is 'connections', which I cliccked on. Then 'dial-up' and 'Virtual Private Network Settings' popped up- but didn't show any network settings, secured or not. I used to be able to click the little computer icons on the taskbar, but they aren't there anymore. I have tried to 'customize' my taskbar, but can't find a way to get the computer icon again. Any suggestions with win 7?
...See More
How do i know if my computer is fully protected and how to clean
Q
Comments (51)
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2 Scan saved at 11:57:20 AM, on 3/24/2009 Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16791) Boot mode: Normal Running processes: C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\cisvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe C:\Program Files\MozyHome\mozybackup.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\fxssvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\BCMSMMSG.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe C:\Program Files\DellSupport\DSAgnt.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe C:\Program Files\MozyHome\mozystat.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\cidaemon.exe C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.dellnet.com/ R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://g.msn.com/0SEENUS/SAOS10 R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.oprah.com/ R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157 R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896 R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896 R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157 R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - (3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0) - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll O2 - BHO: (no name) - (53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F) - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - (5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890) - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswshx.dll O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - (9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6) - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll O2 - BHO: AVG Security Toolbar - (A057A204-BACC-4D26-9990-79A187E2698E) - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\AVGTOO~1.DLL O2 - BHO: Windows Live Toolbar Helper - (BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0) - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - (DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9) - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - (E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C) - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll O3 - Toolbar: Windows Live Toolbar - (BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0) - C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll O3 - Toolbar: AVG Security Toolbar - (A057A204-BACC-4D26-9990-79A187E2698E) - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\AVGTOO~1.DLL O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BCMSMMSG] BCMSMMSG.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla\tfswctrl.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -startup O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSConfig] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSConfig.exe /auto O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe" O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\Program Files\DellSupport\DSAgnt.exe" /startup O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Weather] C:\Program Files\AWS\WeatherBug\Weather.exe 1 O4 - Global Startup: MozyHome Status.lnk = C:\Program Files\MozyHome\mozystat.exe O8 - Extra context menu item: &Windows Live Search - res://C:\Program Files\Windows Live Toolbar\msntb.dll/search.htm O9 - Extra button: Real.com - (CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE) - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Shdocvw.dll O9 - Extra button: (no name) - (e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583) - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - (e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583) - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe O9 - Extra button: Messenger - (FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683) - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - (FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683) - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll O16 - DPF: (F04A8AE2-A59D-11D2-8792-00C04F8EF29D) (Hotmail Attachments Control) - http://lw9fd.law9.hotmail.msn.com/activex/HMAtchmt.ocx O16 - DPF: (F5A7706B-B9C0-4C89-A715-7A0C6B05DD48) (Minesweeper Flags Class) - http://messenger.zone.msn.com/binary/MineSweeper.cab56986.cab O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\(4D7C7228-2B7C-4C19-AB8B-80BFC676C5B9): NameServer = 65.61.64.5,65.61.65.5 O17 - HKLM\System\CS1\Services\Tcpip\..\(4D7C7228-2B7C-4C19-AB8B-80BFC676C5B9): NameServer = 65.61.64.5,65.61.65.5 O17 - HKLM\System\CS2\Services\Tcpip\..\(4D7C7228-2B7C-4C19-AB8B-80BFC676C5B9): NameServer = 65.61.64.5,65.61.65.5 O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - (F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1) - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.DLL O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe O23 - Service: DSBrokerService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\DellSupport\brkrsvc.exe O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe O23 - Service: LexBce Server (LexBceS) - Lexmark International, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE O23 - Service: MozyHome Backup Service (mozybackup) - Mozy, Inc. - C:\Program Files\MozyHome\mozybackup.exe O23 - Service: Intel NCS NetService (NetSvc) - Intel(R) Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\NCS\Sync\NetSvc.exe O23 - Service: NVIDIA Driver Helper Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe O24 - Desktop Component 0: (no name) - http://www.greys-media.com/main.jpg -- End of file - 7561 bytes I am still seeing windows live toolbar on here..weird. I will have to go back into add/remove and see if it is still listed.. could have swore i removed it
...See More
How do I know if I need to replace my windows?
Q
Comments (11)
I presume your present windows are single pane. Any storm windows? As you have been told, the pratice of replacing the material around the mullions is reglazing. If these windows are 4 over 4, or even 8 over 8, the reglazing is a big job. Caulking is done where the window frame sits in the frame both outside and inside. Obviously, you live in a part of the country not noted for mild winters so anything you can do to elivate the drafts should pay some dividends. Now, if I was looking at your home for a possible purchase, my first consideration is how much money will I need to spend to bring this home up to date. However, if you spend (pick a number) to replace windows with double or triple pane vinyl/fiberglass windows,would that cost bring a higher price for your home in relation to the neighborhood?
...See More
oliverp
Original Author
17 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
17 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
17 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.

How do I know if my router is secure?

Comments (5)

bpgreen

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

Related Discussions

oliverp
Original Author

owbist

mikie_gw

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

How do I know if my router is secure?

Comments (5)

bpgreen

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

Related Discussions

oliverpOriginal Author

owbist

mikie_gw

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

oliverp
Original Author