Router Information please

After the hacker destroyed my computer (and three others), the OS system was re-installed and other work was done. I know have Panda Pro AV installed.

The technician advised getting a router for added security, but I know nothing about them. Could you tell me a bit about them and if they will help to prevent the hacker from getting back in. He used a proxy but a firewall caught an attempt to get in and listed the IP he used. I contacted that company to let them know.

Also, is there an email program that will prevent him accessing my password?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_router

That link can explain a lot.
Basically, a router changes its ip address regularly, and gives more security , as it does not use a static address all the time.
Wireless connections are the easiest for hackers, unless the encryption is really good. The little I know about its working Is that you have WEP, and WAP- I believe you should read up on it, unless someone on majorgeeks picks up on this and can explain it better.
The only other advice I can offer is to use a proxy server- again look on-line, if no one comes on to guide you.

 

A router does provide firewall protection. I think you'll find this reference worth a read: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/8-keys-to-internet-security.html

As baklogic said, you should use WEP or WPA encryption for a wireless connection. If possible, use WPA because it's much more secure than WEP.

With good firewall protection and use of anti-virus and anti-malware protection programs, you should not have a problem with someone accessing your password over the Internet. You should, however, use a "strong" password, one that can not be easily guessed by someone else.

 

Thank you both for the links. I tried to answer a few minutes ago but "somehow" got booted off the Net. It happens often, and my Firewall is often turned off as well.

I wonder if one of the free routers will do the trick for now. Any idea?

No password can be strong enough to prevent someone who has one of the programs that can be downloaded free to "translate" ***.

 

Whoa there, that's not good. Being online with no firewall protection is a no-no. You can use a software firewall, a hardware firewall (i.e. a router), or both, but don't be without a firewall.

Free routers? Routers are a hardware device. I don't know of any free ones. You have to buy them unless your ISP provides one to you.

Now, where did you get that notion? Can you cite a reference?

 

Thanks.

Trust me, I am not the one who turns off the firewall. I don't know that it is off until a message comes up to warn me.

I thought I saw routers I could download on MG. I must be dreaming. I'll talk to my ISP and see what they have or can do.

Proof of password and email/site hacking comes in the form of passwords changed (MG was one site), several verbal repeats of something written to someone in an email. We also set three traps for him on Gmail and he fell for all three. I won't tell you what they were on an open forum but you may contact me and I'll give you the details. Mind you, I'll need proof it is you.

Maybe I shouldn't do that because he is into my email more often than I am and I need to keep some things in confidence until I get him into court. Proof of that? Quite often, when I try to open my email, I'm told it's already in use.

CCleaner also tells me I've been to lots of places when I've visited only one site and haven't run a search. I wonder whose been doing those hundreds of searches?

 

Again, a router is a hardware device, so it can't be downloaded. The Linksys model shown on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_(computing) is a typiclal consumer-type router. You can buy them at stores that sell computer accessories (Best Buy, Staples, etc.) and from online sellers such as newegg.com. At the low end of the price spectrum, you will find something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127091

 

Many thanks for the links. Now I know a lot more about them. I'll check with my ISP and see if the Cisco modem contains a router or, if not, which one they suggest getting.