Is this a safe network?

I have a ADSL modem connected to a Dlink router. My desktop is connected wired to the router and I have 3 laptops connecting wirelessly. Since I work on 2-3 computers at different times I have kept file sharing on [for all the computers]

My theory is that unless someone breaks thru my WEP encryption code they cannot access my data. Is this right or am I totally wrong here?

Any suggestions to help secure the network more?

 

There are more hackers trying to break in through the wired side than wireless. If you have NO ports open or stealth on your Gateway your safe. But if your using WEP it's not secure, you need to run WPA(2).

 

Thanks. I dont see WPA[2] on my Dlink router interface. Any suggestions?

 

Try upgrading your D-Link Firmware if possible, I had to upgrade my NETGEAR router Firmware to get WPA2 and WEP is **** and can easily be cracked (I can do it under 5 minutes myself).

 

Thanks. Upgraded my firmware and found WPA2. Worked fine on my Vista laptop but needed to upgrade the Intel software on my two xp comps. All fine now.

Upgraded my firmware on my DL 524 [office router] too and found WPA but did not find the facility to prevent SSID broadcast. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the help.

 

All routers I have ever seen have it, just need to look for it. May be called something else. Normally found in the wireless section, sometimes under security depending on firmware.

 

Ok, I set up the following:

1. No SSID broadcast
2. WPA2
3. MAC filteration

Should be safe enough now?

How to set up stealth on my router? Or make sure that no ports are open for the wired side?

 

THough your wireless is pretty strong already, just making sure...you changed your default admin password on your router, right?

Also, if you want to make it more secure, and you only have your 3 laptops on your internet and never have any others, you can set static ip addresses, turn off dhcp, and limit the number of ip addresses from (usually 50) to 4.

 

Thanks Nizzy.

Yup - changed the default PW. Thought I would turn of DHCP yesterday but then thought it may be a bit complicated. Maybe I'll give it a shot today.

You guys are a great help.

 

You network is only as secure as your password. So if you used word(s) from a dict you are subject to brute force attacks. The best keys are random generated use all printable chr to max length (63 chr). But 20+ will work. Beside a good password looks like some of the typing skill test or giberish code you see when a system crashes.

grc.com has random generator for use. He uses a https connection for access so it can not be viewed by others. You have 3 option leters & number, hex, all printable chr the strongest. But I have found some errors in a lot of firmware, that does not allow " (double quotes) so you may have to take them out. Some older PC's may not take keys longer than 20 chrs, too.

But in most cases hackers will just move down the street where someone has a open one to use.