Wireless Security

Securing Your Wireless Network

Here is why NOT to share your WIFI connection, but secure it instead:

• There is no such thing as "spare" bandwidth. Someone else might end up taking it all!
• Are you THAT sure about the security of every device on your network? Why open the door to your PC's (or cameras) to someone you don't even know?
• Even if you have a dynamic internet address (as opposed to a static ip) someone else's illegal activity can be tracked back to you. Having a ninja style attack squad (with badges) break down your door at 4am is near the top of MY list of things to avoid!
• If your signal is the strongest in an area, anyone who powers up their laptop might connect to your WIFI automatically without even knowing it. Some of those computers are the greatest security risk out there (because they don't have a clue) and you don't want them on your network.

"How can I tell if someone is mooching off my WIFI?"

You can monitor the connections made to your wireless access point.

Here's how...
(This is a Linksys WRT54G, but other routers will be similar)
Log into your wireless router.

Find a "status" page. This only works if the router is handing out DHCP (automatic) addresses for your network. If you have another router or server doing the addressing then this won't work.

Check how many addresses have been assigned to clients. If you have 2 PC's and there are 3 or more clients listed, someone is mooching.

Additional check - log files. You can enable logging and watch to see if outbound connections are happening that you are not initiating. (Granted, this is for more advanced users.) Document your wireless configuration using screenshots if necessary. If your router is in a relatively secure or out of the way location, you may even consider putting a label on the outside with such information as IP address and login information - including password. But I always recommend password safe for secure storage of passwords.

Some wireless routers, such as my Linksys WRT54G, allow you to save the configuration to a file so that it can be restored later if necessary. It's always good practice to backup first before making changes. If backing up isn't an option, take some screenshots or manual notes of both basic and advanced settings.