Wireless Router Use and Security
When you connect to the internet using a wireless device, you should take steps to ensure your network, your computers and your privacy are protected.
Connecting to the Internet with a wireless router is a convenient and popular choice for many Shaw customers. In simple terms, you plug a router or other wireless device into your Shaw modem and it transmits a wireless signal. Your laptop or PDA will recognize the signal so you can get on the internet or check email from anywhere in your home.
What are the risks of an unsecured wireless connection?
Since wireless signals are transmitted over the air, any compatible wireless device within range can potentially receive the signal and use it to access the internet. This creates a number of risks:
- Someone could use your Internet connection for criminal activity.
- A criminal or hacker could intercept communication or keystrokes and learn passwords and other personal information and use it for identity theft or fraud.
- Someone could use your Internet connection degrading your own connection and consuming your monthly data transfer limit.
There are some simple safeguards you can take to protect yourself and your wireless connection. Virtually all wireless routers have security provisions built in to protect against unauthorized access to your Shaw High-Speed Internet connection. You simply need to understand what they are and take steps to ensure your set up utilizes these features.
How should I take advantage of my router’s security features?
There are some general steps you should take to protect your internet connection.
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Use Wifi Protected Access (WPA) or WPA2 Encryption: WPA is a standard of encryption that replaced Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) a number of years ago. WEP, is an older encryption standard that is easily compromised. Make sure your router does not use it. WPA2 is a newer and even more secure version of WPA.
So how can you tell what kind of encryption your computer is using? Look at your router configuration to start. Or, open the wireless interface on your laptop. Encryption information is often identified with a lock icon.
- Change the administrator password from the default: This password is needed to make changes to the configuration of your router. Your router will come with a default password from the manufacturer. Make sure you re-set the password after you install your router.
- Make your WPA key complex: When selecting your key, or the password you enter to access the network, it’s best to use an entire sentence with punctuation and a mix of upper and lower case letters. If you have visitors and you want them to be able to access your network, they will simply need to enter your key.
- Hide your Service Set Identifier (SSID): Wireless routers generally broadcast the name of the network or the SSID. You can turn this off, so your neighbors or people walking by with a PDA won’t get notice that your network is detected. While this will make your connection less of a target, the network can still be found and compromised. You should still take other security measures.
We've given you a lot of very general information about router security here. However, each router is different. Router configuration is beyond the scope of Shaw Technical Support. If you’re having difficulty understanding how to set up your router or you can’t ensure your router is secure, contact the manufacturer. They can often provide technical support. We’ve included contact information for some of the popular manufacturers here:
- 3COM - 1-800-876-3266 www.3com.com
- Apple - 1-800-263-3394 www.apple.ca
- Belkin - 1-800-223-5546 www.belkin.com
- D-Link - 1-800-361-5265 www.dlink.com
- Linksys - 1-800-326-7114 www.linksysbycisco.com
- Microsoft - 1-800-936-8479 www.microsoft.com
- Motorola - 1-877-466-8646 www.motorola.com
- Netgear - 1-888-638-4327 www.netgear.com
- SMC - 1-800-762-4968 www.smc.com
Definitions and terminology for online threats
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Quick answers to common questions
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