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Securing a modem/router with WEP

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by Peter Lovell, 2008/08/14.

  1. 2008/08/14
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    I need help to secure my modem/router combo with WEP

    I am want to network two notebooks. The purpose of networking these two notebooks is transfer data from my old notebook to my new one and to continue to freely transfer data between them.

    Neither of these notebooks can directly be connected to the modem/router combo using an Ethernet cable because they are situated in a different location. Consequently both notebooks must use a wireless network to connect with the modem/router

    I knew nothing about networking so I installed a network using a program called Network Magic.

    However I needed to make this sure this network was 100% secure so I contacted their support team and received the following response from them.

    [FONT= "Comic Sans MS"]Although Network Magic can help with your network, Network Magic is software that will help you share files and printers on your network. If you need assistance in setting up your network or configuring your router, you will need to speak with the manufacturers of the respective devices.

    Network Magic does not set up your security, If you would like this added you will need to speak to your router manufacturer for assistance in securing your network using a security key ( encryption, Wep,Wpa, Etc.. ) "
    [/FONT]​

    I am finding it impossible to get assistance from the manufacturer of my modem/router in respect of securing my network by using a security key encryption. However I have learned how to log into the manufacturer's website remotely & can open the Wireless section that will allow me to configure the wireless related features that will secure the modem/router. However, because I haveno understanding of the underlying principles of encryption, I not do not know to secure the modem/router by configuring the wireless related features.

    They say a picture is worth a thousand words. With this in mind I have taken a "snapshot" of the Wireless security page using alt/Print Screen. Is there any kind person who understands the underlying principles of encryption, to whom I can email this "snapshot" and the use it to explain to me the basics of how I can secure my modem using Wep? BTW Can this kind person advise if I should use a 68 bit, a 125bit or a 625bit encryption key?

    Just one more question. Will securing my modem/router allow me safely to disable my anti-virus security and all the Firewalls on my network because, as the Network Magic support team wrote:

    [FONT= "Comic Sans MS"] "Firewalls are the number one reason why people cannot share or communicate between computers. Network Magic does not control your firewalls and simply tries to help you configure them for sharing. However at this point I would recommend disabling any security you have such as AVG. Within AVG you should have the option to disable this feature. "[/FONT]​

    In other words will securing my wireless modem/router prevent outsiders from accessing the data on my network through my ISP?
     
  2. 2008/08/14
    BurrWalnut

    BurrWalnut Well-Known Member Alumni

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    FIRST TIME CONNECTION TO SET UP A ROUTER
    1. Connect the computer to the router using the Ethernet cable so that you can access the router set up details. This is done by typing 192.168.n.n (n depends upon the make of router) into a browser address bar window. When asked for the user name and password, type the default values for your router. Go through the sections until you find one where you can enter your ISP details, i.e. the user name and password given to you by your ISP.
    2. To set up wireless access, look for a section named wireless or similar wording and find an SSID name and a security key. Make a note of these and/or change the SSID to something more meaningful to you but don‘t use obvious names, like your name. Also, if the key type is set to WEP change it to the more secure WPA.
    3. Your router may have a section that allows backup and restore of the router configuration. If so, make a backup to enable you to easily restore the set up in the event of having to reset the router to factory settings.
    4. The SSID and key are needed for any wireless computer to connect to a router. The software varies from manufacturer to manufacturer but it involves keying in the SSID and the security key. Right-click the wireless network adapter’s icon in the system tray, open it and follow the prompts to connect.

    ROUTER PROBLEMS
    Check your router by trying the Internet Connectivity Evaluation tool here http://www.microsoft.com/windows/using/tools/igd/default.mspx


    EDIT. I forgot to answer your other questions:
    I don’t use a third-party firewall just the Windows one and the router’s one.

    Don’t disable your anti-virus.

    Get the wireless working first then post back here if you can't share files.
     
    Last edited: 2008/08/14

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  4. 2008/08/14
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    If your modem-router and laptop wifi adapters support WPA encryption then use that imnstead of WEP. WEP is very insecure and can be compromised in 2 minutes by someone sitting outside your house w/ a laptop. WEP will suffice for what you want to accomplish, but then again, if all you want to do is transfer the data there's no need for wifi security. And you could easier just use a usb flash drive to transfer the data.
     
  5. 2008/08/15
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    How do I set up WPA

    Dear BurrWalnut and Tony.

    Many Thanks!!!!!

    I have done all suggested.
    [FONT= "Arial Black"]
    • BUT
    [/FONT]

    I know a nothing about encryption and I do not know how to secure my modem using WPA.

    Please can I send you a "snapshot" of the manufacturer's Wireless security page? If I do this you may be able to see how you can explain how I can secure my modem using WPA.

    TonyT, your suggestion to use a flash drive to transfer data is excellent (I already do this) but I want to be able use one notebook to see what is actually on the other notebook, that is why I want to network them.

    Finally, if I manage secure my modem using WPA how secure will my network be if I disable the Windows firewall ? (Anti virus is not a problem)
     
  6. 2008/08/15
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    The access point (wifi) security has no relationship w/ a software firewall. What wifi security does is encrypt all data that passes from your comp to the access point and vice versa. It also prevent persons from using your wifi Internet connection unless they have the passkey or pass phrase.

    Anything transmitted over the air waves can be "sniffed" by another computer nearby w/ network sniffing software. So can cell phones, bluetooth devices and baby monitors!

    If the access point using encryption, the sniffer will see only a bunch of jibberish. If the access point has no security in place (encryption) then anyone in range can use your Internet connection and they can also see everything you do on the Internet.

    For example, if use any email client such as Outlook Express, your username and password are transmitted as plain text, readable. Thus, if someone was monitoring your wifi while you checked for new messages they'ed grab your account username & pasword!

    The Windows Firewall prevents existing programs on your computer from using the network unlesss you allow them to do so, that's basically all it does. It may also prevent others from accessing your files and system from outtside your network, but your modem-router does that already.

    The modem-router-access point won't and cannot stop someone from monitoring the air waves though.

    And by the way, it is completely legal to "sniff" and capture unsecured (non-encrypted) wireless traffic in the US according to the FCC. After all, that's how broadcast radio and television works.

    What's the brand-model # of your modem-routter?
     
  7. 2008/08/16
    Peter Lovell

    Peter Lovell Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks to the patient explanations of TonyT and BurrWalnut I am FINALLY beginning to understand the intricacies of Wireless security!
    Firstly my modem router is an iConnect 625W manufactured by Open Networks in Melbourne, their website is http://www.opennw.com/
    Where I am currently living the chances of someone nearby having a computer with network sniffing software are almost a remote as they would be if I lived in the Australian Out back. Everybody knows every body and there is little or no passing traffic.
    My main concern is with preventing others from accessing my files and system from outside my network though my modem-router because it is not secured and I do not know how to secure it
    I have learned how to access my manufacturer's Wireless security page. I have changed the username and created a secure 16digit password.
    In his last message TonyT tells me :
    [FONT= "Comic Sans MS"][FONT= "Comic Sans MS"]“What wi-fi security does is encrypt all data that passes from your comp to the access point and vice versa. It also prevent persons from using your wi-fi Internet connection unless they have the passkey or pass phrase.â€
    [/FONT][/FONT]​
    My Antivirus Programme AVG 8.0 tells me
    [FONT= "Comic Sans MS"]

    Your Firewall is fully functional. You are protected against threats from external networks ​
    [/FONT]
    My networking program, "Network Magic" allows me to share folders with other computer on my network. However "Network Magic’s" security function, "Network Securityâ€, tells me:
    [FONT= "Comic Sans MS"]“Wireless Protection Is riot Supported By Your Network. Either you do not have a wireless network. or Network Magic does not yet support this feature for your router or access point.â€
    [/FONT]​
    I must be 100% certain that, if I allow "Network Magic" to share folders with other computers on my network, people will be prevented from accessing my files and system from outside my network though my modem-router.
    If my modem-router has not been secured by setting up WPA encryption through the manufacturer's Wireless security page, will my modem/router encrypt all data that passes from my computer to the access point and vice versa; AND will it also prevent persons from using my wi-fi Internet connection?
    To get to the point, if my modem-router must be secured by setting up WPA encryption through the manufacturer's Wireless security page, can some one please tell me how to do this?
     
  8. 2008/08/16
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Network Magic, afaik, does not have any in-built security. It's just a program that "eases" the setting up of networks for the user. Everything it does can already easily be done via Windows wizards.

    No!

    To prevent others from using your Internet connection you must use either WEP or WPA security. Also, w/out that security, nothing is encrypted (except https:// sites such as your bank site). All https sites use encryption methods built into the web browsers. (https is NOT used for file sharing)

    If someone should gain access to the Internet via your unsecured wireless modem, then they could scan your local network and determine the name of your workgroup. The default workgroup name in XP Pro = WORKGROUP and the default workgroup name used in XP Home = MSHOME. This is common knowledge to wifi hijackers. If someone connected, they would only have to change the name of the workgroup on their comp to the same as your workgroup and they could have access to your shared files. Finding a workgroup name is easy because Windows broadcasts it if File & Print Sharing is turned on.

    Thus, you SHOULD use WEP or WPA.

    To config your device to use WEP or WPA see this picture:
    http://support.iprimus.com.au/images/ADSL/OpenNetworks/625w/Manual/Original/03_wireless_setup.jpg

    I suggest using WPA. That way you can make up your own passphrase. Do just as is in that picture.

    NOTE: YOU SHOULD CONNECT TO THE MODEM-ROUTER USING A CAT5 CABLE WHEN CHANGING WIFI SETTINGS, ELSE YOU WILL GET DISCONNECTED!

    If you add wifi security while connected wirelessly, your unsecured connection will get cut and you'll have to reconnect and enter the passphrase. And you may lose the chance to be able to "apply or confirm" the changes that have been made.

    Full Guide:
    http://support.iprimus.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=512&Itemid=120
     
    Last edited: 2008/08/16

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