File and printer sharing

[The_G_Man]

Ok, I have a pc internet hacking phobia even though I don't have anything remotely interesting to a hacker on my pc.

Now that I have that admission out the way, I was wondering if one of you I.T. savvy guys out there can re-assure me.

I have just set up file sharing between my desktop(windows xp) and laptop(vista premium) and it works a charm. I also have 360 and PS3 streaming with WMP11.

I have WPA wireless security enabled on wireless network, Locked down access to router to mac address only. Router has built in firewall left at default settings and I have changed router password. Laptop and desktop have windows firewall running.

Have I covered all bases or can I add more security?

Cheers

[charlesr]

Use ethernet cables instead?

Only thing I can think of is, turn off the SSID broadcast.

[The_G_Man]

Use ethernet cables instead?

Only thing I can think of is, turn off the SSID broadcast.

When I turn SSID broadcast off my laptop can find my wireless network as an un-named ,unprotected network. I know it's my network due to signal strength being 100%. Strange, when I broadcast my ssid the unanamed , unsecured network disappears.

[MikeF]

Thats more than adequate for a home setup

[bootmonster]

When I turn SSID broadcast off my laptop can find my wireless network as an un-named ,unprotected network. I know it's my network due to signal strength being 100%. Strange, when I broadcast my ssid the unanamed , unsecured network disappears.

I'm pretty sure that's a "trick" unprotected network if you will. Is it a linksys router? You probably won't be able to the unprotected network.

[The_G_Man]

I'm pretty sure that's a "trick" unprotected network if you will. Is it a linksys router? You probably won't be able to the unprotected network.

It's a netgear router and you are correct, I cannot connect to the "unprotected network". My only fear is someone sees it as an open door and starts snooping around. This is all based on my phobia/paranoia

[EvilBoris]

When I turn SSID broadcast off my laptop can find my wireless network as an un-named ,unprotected network. I know it's my network due to signal strength being 100%. Strange, when I broadcast my ssid the unanamed , unsecured network disappears.

When you turn off the SSID you have to add the connection in manually, not just search for it like you would of before.

[djjimbob]

I think you should deffo put a lead box over your house.

[The_G_Man]

When you turn off the SSID you have to add the connection in manually, not just search for it like you would of before.

Ah, cheers! will sort that out

[BaudAttitude]

Connecting to a "hidden" SSID in Vista is annoyingly difficult compared to earlier versions of Windows. You'll have to find a checkbox, whose precise name and location I can not remember, called something like "Try to connect even if network is not broadcasting"

Their reasoning works something like this: Assume your wireless SSID is xyzzynet. When Windows is looking for a wireless network and can't see it broadcasting, it connects to each nearby unnamed network and says "Hey, are you xyzzynet?"

This is a bit of a security risk because there's nothing stopping an unscrupulous router from saying "Why, yes, I AM xyzzynet!" and then you're passing all your net traffic through an untrusted host.

Mostly a problem for travelers in airports, I understand, anyway, they turned off the default behavior but it makes it a pain if you're using a hidden SSID at home.