Linksys WRT54G Security

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I've recently got a Linksys WRT54G so that I could connect my step-dads computer and mine together so I could have access to the internet. Unfortunatly, my step-dad does his banking over the internet, and he is concerned about people connecting to the wireless router and hacking his bank account.

what is the most secure way to set up the wireless network? and would that protection be any good against people trying to hack in?

Thanks
 
BRAVO! You asked and you're concerned.

In short YES you need encryption and NOT the WEP kind -- WPA or WPA2 are
secure.

Let's chat re online security with banking.

1) the Bank will use HTTPS:// on its url; this is an encrypted link from the
browser to the bank.

2) ALL your systems should be running a firewall

3) the Wireless WPA security sets between your router and the wireless user/browser.

4) your systems will then reject foreign users attempting to access your
LAN, and thus not get access to File Shares, user files, and/or User cookies.

If you have Firefox, set the preferences to Clear Private Data upon exit
and then after a Banking session, QUIT the browser or at least use
Tools->Clear Private Data.

If you visit a HOTSPOT, NEVER perform any banking transactions or let your
Pop3 Email Client access your email on the ISP. Instead, use the Webemail
from your ISP.
 
Your step-dads bank protects his on-line account, not your computer's software or Internet connection. Tell him not to worry. He uses a username and protected password to log-in to his on-line banking, right? It takes me answering 3 questions and typing on a web-based key pad to get into my account
 
I'm using WPA Personal with the same router mentioned, the WPA Algorithm is AES and the key is 13 chars long, is this good security. I live in an apartment.
 
Thanks, we got it up and running, with good security thanks to you people.

Again, thanks for taking the time to help me out.
 
jobeard said:
BRAVO! You asked and you're concerned.

In short YES you need encryption and NOT the WEP kind -- WPA or WPA2 are
secure.

Let's chat re online security with banking.

1) the Bank will use HTTPS:// on its url; this is an encrypted link from the
browser to the bank.

2) ALL your systems should be running a firewall

3) the Wireless WPA security sets between your router and the wireless user/browser.

4) your systems will then reject foreign users attempting to access your
LAN, and thus not get access to File Shares, user files, and/or User cookies.

If you have Firefox, set the preferences to Clear Private Data upon exit
and then after a Banking session, QUIT the browser or at least use
Tools->Clear Private Data.

If you visit a HOTSPOT, NEVER perform any banking transactions or let your
Pop3 Email Client access your email on the ISP. Instead, use the Webemail
from your ISP.

What downsides are there to using WEP? Currently I have my router security set to WEP simply because my Nintendo DS can't access the router if its WPA or anything else besides WEP but I've long since been rid of the DS and just kept my router on WEP still.
 
HaLo2FrEeEk said:
I'm using WPA Personal with the same router mentioned, the WPA Algorithm is AES and the key is 13 chars long, is this good security. I live in an apartment.
Yes, as long as your password isn't something that can be easily guessed.
 
Dynne said:
What downsides are there to using WEP? Currently I have my router security set to WEP simply because my Nintendo DS can't access the router if its WPA or anything else besides WEP but I've long since been rid of the DS and just kept my router on WEP still.
WEP can be cracked by someone who WANTS to get into your network in a matter of minutes. WPA is considerably more secure.

If you no longer have the Wii, then I'd suggest changing it to WPA.
 
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