Wireless router internet. shut down at night safe?

[MS_Project]

will it be more safe if i disable the wireless feature every night or whenever i am not using it?

i have already disabled the SSID broadcast already.

thanks

[movieman]

Yes, but if you have a decent security setup (e.g. WPA2 with a strong key) that shouldn't really be a problem. Also, it's debatable as to whether not broadcasting the SSID is more or less secure than broadcasting it; I've read articles arguing both sides.

[willy]

Not good enough. Enable WEP/WPA(2) is a must.

If you haven't changed the default admin password of your router, do it now.

[canadiancynosure]

I wouldn't bother turning off the router at night, and to be honest, if someone wants to hack your wireless network bad enough, they will.

Take the standard precautions - WPA/WPA2 (WEP is relatively weak) enabled, changed your admin password (oddly the newer Linksys routers dont' let you change the username), disable the SSID broadcast.

You can also set your router to only accept connections from certain MAC addresses. I haven't tried this yet -- does anyone else have experience or info?

[Dave98]

The most secure form of wireless security (without a radius server) is to use WPA or WPA2 with a long and random password.

Something like
"}XrF&'gbNe_Q-4>bx)Czzf)$2y/?qqyH>6>JhK</,$.Y(Q*&D!a=.ak3Ro{x]3Q"

You really don't have to do anything else. Why? Because everything else such as MAC filtering and disabling SSID broadcast can be "hacked".

While technically speaking.. WPA and WPA2 can be hacked, it would take a years, upon years to do so, providing the password is random enough. So don't use passwords like "thisismywpakey"

[Desolatax]

The best form of protection for your home network is wired :P

But anyways, if you wanted to go crazy, you could set up a RADIUS server, but since you probably aren't going to do that. WPA2 with a 50 character long key with Upper Case, Lower Case, Numbers, and Symbols would be your best bet. Change the key every few weeks too. Strong admin password too, not the same as your WPA2 key though.
Change your SSID to "We Capture your Packets" too :P

[ShadowVlican]

i turn my router/modem off at night when i have nothing to BT

[willy]

I am on the other side of the spectrum ... My router has been on non-stop for the past 126 days

[Spidey]

I used to unplug my router when I went away for vacations or trips away from the house for a few days. Then I knew now one could spend time trying to hack it. ( at least it made me feel better anyways)

Now I leave it plugged in all the time. One of the benefits of living on a acreage. If someone is stealing my signal, Ill know it because I can see them

[Composter]

My router has a recorded log, so I can see any attempts to log on to the wireless connection. I have it password protected and I only see one attempt which was by me as a test.
where do you guys live right in the middle of 32 cyber cafe's

[movieman]

where do you guys live right in the middle of 32 cyber cafe's

Well, there are eight wireless networks visible from our kitchen. I'd guess pretty much everyone in the street has Sasktel internet, which comes with a 'free' wireless router (most have the default SSIDs, and most are that kind of router).

[Composter]

Well, there are eight wireless networks visible from our kitchen. I'd guess pretty much everyone in the street has Sasktel internet, which comes with a 'free' wireless router (most have the default SSIDs, and most are that kind of router).

so if that were the case you pay for internet because?..................just joking...lol

[Kasakato]

That's an excellent method to secure your connection...



but hackers are open 24/7/365.

[movieman]

so if that were the case you pay for internet because?..................just joking...lol

Fortunately the Sasktel (2wire) routers come with WEP enabled by default, though I think it's only a 64-bit key so not terribly secure. At least it's a random key per router, rather than a default key for all.

[bubble.tea]

hmmm....methought wep was allI needed.

Good thing I read this thread. I'll be checking out this random stuff soon eough.

Thanks!