I want to protect my router wifi

I'm sort of new to the networking scene, so pardon my ignorance.

I have a Netgear 54 Mbps Wireless Router WGR614 v6 that I would like to protect against anything malicious.

It's not password protected and it hasn't been for a while. I just finished going through this forum's wonderful Malware removal guide (had none thankfully!) and have all the appropriate anti programs for future protection. I just need my network for complete relief! Please help.

 

Hi offsafetyglock and welcome to MGs.

http://kb.netgear.com/app/products/model/a_id/2588 - support site

http://kb.netgear.com/app/products/model/a_id/2588 - manual download link (manual in .pdf format)

http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/112 - basic security steps
Step 3 - Change the default username and password for accessing the router configuration pages.
Step 5 - Use a unique name for your wireless network (SSID).
Step 7 - The longer the passphrase (network key), the more secure the network (harder to break).

This will get you started. Each computer or device will have to input the passphrase to access the wireless network connection.
(Write the passphrase down somewhere in case you have to redo a computer's connection.)

 

lbmest seems to have you on the right path. I usually, once all the computers on the wireless are setup, so not broadcast the SSID. Not a huge deal, but does make it a litter more safer.

 

It's amazing how many people out there are running their wireless routers without securing them. I know they can crack the encryption, but harder to crack it than to just connect without owner even knowing.

 

JD this post is months old, please dont bring up old posts.