BASIC Router Security

[Franko914]

1. Immediately change "admin" password (use a foreign word, misspell it, upper/lower case, include numbers)
2. Make the SSID difficult to hack
2a. Then, disable SSID broadcast (wireless devices can still connect, but they will need to know the exact SSID)
3. Enable MAC authentication
4. Enable highest security available (e.g., WPA2, etc.)
5. Make the passphrase as difficult to guess/hack as the admin password
6. Do not enable DMZ port in WAN setup
7. Do not enable "Automatic connection" in WAN setup
7a. Do not enable "Remote configuration" or "Remote control"
8. Do not enable "Respond to PING" in WAN setup (this is how you are "found")
9. Enable "Secure" for NAT filtering in WAN setup

All the above can still be circumvented by someone who knows what they are doing and with the right technology. Imagine how easy it is if you leave the router in default or "simple" mode.

10. Right-click on ALL your PC's "My Computer," select "Properties," select "Remote" tab and DO NOT enable "Allow Remote-Assistance"

 

[Acesneights1]

An excellent post Franko but I would like to ad that people have no idea how DANGEROUS these wireless do dads are. Think of it like this.....Having an unsecured network is like leaving a legally owned gun in a nightstand drawer. If someone breaks into your house and steals the gun and kills someone with it the cops will come to you and even if you didn't do it you will face charges for letting it happen. There is NO DIFFERENCE with an unsecured network and no matter how secure you think it is, it can be hacked IN MINUTES by an average idiot with a 20$ disk from any computer show. Remeber one thing, COPS don't give a **** about you or if they have the wrong person, as long as they have someone. It will be then up to you to prove otherwise. My advice is unless you are a security professional and know what you are doing, either DON'T USE Wireless or hire someone to set it up for you. Wireless and internet security is NOT for amateurs.
Computers are just like a loaded gun, if you leave it unsecured, it can do alot of damage.
Most routers until recently used WEP encryption which can be hacked by someone sitting in front of your house in less than 2 mins.
Remember this counrty has become socialist right under our very noses and if you think you have any rights or are innocent until proven guilty...Think again.