Improving Internet security

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I would appreciate your opinion. We have two computers hard-wired (RJ-45/CAT-5) to an 802.11B Linksys router and do not use the wireless signal. “Security” is WEP. Would replacing the router with an N-type improve the security of this type arrangement? Thank you.

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So if you are not using the wireless network, it would seem to me that the best way to ensure security would be to shut the wireless radio off. Most routers allow that. If you post your model number, it will be possible to check whether that is possible with your router or not.

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Thank you ruirib. I guess what I want to know is if upgrading a router would provide superior security for hard-wired computers which access the internet. I have been told that it wouldn’t make any difference for our arrangement, but WOULD improve security for wireless networking, i.e. WPA-2. So if we are not going to use the wireless access, is there any point in upgrading? Also, would transmission speed be improved? It’s already fast enough to suit us. Thanks again.

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It really depends on the router you have and how you have it configured, but not much have changed regarding hardware firewalls to require a change. I hope you have changed the default router password, because that is a basic security precaution that should always be taken.

Does your router support 10 Mbit/s? 100 Mbit /s? Maybe let us know the model and we can provide more info. Do you use the local network to transfer files between your computers?

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Sorry, ruirib, I should have included that info. The router is a Linksys Wireless-B Broadband Router with 4 ports, Model number BEFW11S4 ver.4, supporting 10/100 as I understand it. The password is not the default, and we do not have a local network, preferring to transfer files via “sneakernet” (we’re paranoid; file sharing is de-activated). We simply access the internet (cable ISP) individually through ports on the router. Direct-wired is faster than wireless in this setting. But is it secure? We’ve never had a serious problem…yet. Would a more modern, advanced router provide any greater security considering that the computers do not utilize wireless for internet access?

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Wired networking is secure as long as your PCs are secure. Any standard hardware router – like your Linksys – prevents access from the internet to your PCs unless you invite someone / something in.

Safe browsing rules.

Stop using sneakernet and join the 21st century. ;-))

cheers, Paul

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Your router is perfectly capable of providing a level of security adequate for your network, as long as you have the firewall enabled. If you ever wanted to use wireless networking, you’d need a new router, as WEP is not a secure protocol. If all you want to do is use wired networking, that router is enough.

I have to agree with Paul T. As long as each of your PCs use proper security measures (at least a decent anti virus app), I see no reason not to enable file sharing and use it over the network.

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Many thanks to both of you. You’ve answered my query and I really appreciate it! Probably saved me some cash as well! Happy new year and have a wonderful holiday!

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Be sure to have the wireless radio shut off. No point in wasting energy and allowing someone to access the internet using your network.

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Thanks, will do.

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