Enabling Security for Wireless Router

I have a Linksys wireless router, which has a built in firewall. In
addition, I have firewall software on my laptop.

When my wireless router was installed, they didn't take the time to enable
security, so I guess someone can be outside my house and get into my
internet connection. I assume they cannot get into my computer due to the
firewall.

Is it highly recommended that I have someone enable the security for the
router? Once that is done, since I have 3 computers in the house using the
router, what would be required to log into the router? Would a password be
necessary the first time, or every day?

What are the possible consequences of not enabling security, other than
possibly someone using my internet connection?

Thanks in advance for any help.

On Mon, 07 Aug 2006 21:34:22 GMT, "Les" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote in <ylOBg.56762$(E-Mail Removed)>:

>I have a Linksys wireless router, which has a built in firewall. In
>addition, I have firewall software on my laptop.
>
>When my wireless router was installed, they didn't take the time to enable
>security, so I guess someone can be outside my house and get into my
>internet connection. I assume they cannot get into my computer due to the
>firewall.

That's a risky assumption. You're not protected by your router, only
your firewall software. Your router is vulnerable unless a strong
password has been set.

>Is it highly recommended that I have someone enable the security for the
>router?

Yes. Use WPA, not WEP.

>Once that is done, since I have 3 computers in the house using the
>router, what would be required to log into the router? Would a password be
>necessary the first time, or every day?

Just once.

>What are the possible consequences of not enabling security, other than
>possibly someone using my internet connection?

Identity theft.
Crashed computers.
Getting blamed for unlawful activities.

--
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John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
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