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Is wireless internet access secure? How do I make it sucure?

For many wireless devices the default is to have an open, unencrypted, unsecure connection between you and the wireless router or access point you connect to. To their credit Verizon has started shipping their latest routers with encryption pre-enabled, and with the keys (wireless passwords) preprinted on the unit for easy setup. There's good news and bad news about securing your wireless connection. First lets start with the good:

Encryption - Even the most basic of routers available in stores has rock solid encryption available to you. Most routers implement the two most common standards WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wireless Protected Access). Be aware that the Airport implementation of WEP 64 bit has compatability issues with many devices.
Range - The number of people able to access your wireless connection is frequently quite limited. In single family homes of any size they may in fact not cover the entire home. This limits your exposure even if you never encrypt the signal.

Having said that, there are some serious problems, or misconceptions about wireless security:

Content is not encrypted - While the communication between you and your router is encrypted the actual content you are transmitting is generally not. For example when you send an e-mail its content is in plain text making it readable to any systems between you and your destination. A nosy internet service provider could monitor your communications without your knowledge. The risk is comparable to someone listening into your cell-phone connection or land line communications who works at the phone company.
Reversing encryption - It is possible to reverse the encryption methods available on routers. Having said that the effort in time, expertise, money, and equipment exceeds the value of what is present on most PCs. In short if you're worried about someone stealing from you, a better investment is a good set of locks and a home security system.

Configuring your router

While each router's configuration is different there are some common elements. Follow these steps:

Plug in your router and connect your DSL or Cable modem, with the network cable they provided. The cable must plug into the Internet or WAN port on your router.
Plug your PC into the router using the network cable provided with your router. On the router side it will plug into any of the four adjacent ports on the back.
On Windows XP select Start => Control Panel => Classic View => Network Connections => Local Area Connection => Support. Write down your default gateway.
On Windows Vista select the Windows icon => Control Panel => Network and Sharing Center => Manage Network Connections => Local Area Connection => Details. Write down your default gateway.
Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Safari, etc).
In the address bar enter your gateway address, for example: 192.168.1.1
Many routers will prompt you for a user name and password. Common defaults include:
- User Name: admin or Admin or [blank]
- Password: admin or password or [blank]
Select the Wireless Settings or Wireless Wizard
Select the Wireless Security Tab, if available
Choose your encryption method. WEP 64 bit is well supported, easy to remember your key, and straightforward to setup.
Your router will have a series of keys, in the first key enter a 10 digit hexadecimal code (any number from 0-9 as well as the letters a-f, it is not case sensitive)
Many people use a phone number, other than their home number. Again the goal here is to make access inconvenient. Hackers view your network, and your PCs as a resource, not as a place to steal information from. Hackers that want information are interested in bank computers, and other much more worthwhile targets.
Be sure to Apply your changes.
When your router restarts you will need to enter your new wireless key (essentially a wireless password).

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Last updated: 2/6/2012

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