Forum Moderators: phranque
Stroll through any neighborhood with an open laptop in hand and you will probably notice your machine automatically connecting to various wireless Internet routers that local residents have set up. If you are given a connection that allows you to surf the Web, chances are very good that you can also assume control over the same network that gave you the access.In my experience, few people who operate wide-open wireless networks -- those unprotected by even the simplest encryption technology -- ever bother to change the default user name and password needed to reconfigure the router. Perhaps consumers who operate open networks aren't terribly worried about their neighbors "sniffing" the ambient wireless airwaves for passwords and other sensitive data. But it may be that a person running a router under the default factory settings has more to fear from a malicious Web site than a local interloper.
Improve Net Security: Check For Default Passwords & Change Them [blog.washingtonpost.com]
Have you checked your passwords, and changed them recently?
Would someone be kind enough to post a link on how to change password or put step-by-step instructions here for tech dummies?That would depend on what router brand and version you have.
When I have a visitor with a laptop, I just get their MAC address and add it to the list, it takes a minute at best.
1)Go to start>run>cmd>ipconfig
Find the Default Gateway IP address;
usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.15.1,.... 192.168.X.X
Go to Mozilla>192.168.x.x (usually get a login prompt)
2)If you are successfully able to login: Change the password from one of the menu.
3)If you don't know your default password: Find your router manual or call the manufacturer for the default password(possibly no password at all; username: admin). Try step 2 one more time. Switch off your router for 10 min (there maybe also be a hard reset button) and restart (resets your password). Go to step 2.
Now if you have business router like Cisco #*$!X.XX, you need to go with hyper terminal. I would suggest getting professional help.
Don't forget to update your bios too.
When I have a visitor with a laptop, I just get their MAC address and add it to the list, it takes a minute at best.
...and they can't connect unless they know and can spoof one of the MAC addresses of my machines.
I am pretty sure that the MAC address of the sending machine is part of the envelope data for every IP packet. So the MAC address would show up with any TCP/IP sniffer.
But that was still too technical for me and a friend directed me to Linksys website. Here is what you do:
1. Connect your PC to your router with a cable.
2. Go to 192.168.1.1 in your browser.
3. When the router's web-based setup page appears, click the Administration tab.
4. Enter the new password on the Password and Re-enter to confirm fields. Leave user ID blank as before.
