How make home network secure??

[paaji]

I have Linksys router (tomato firmware) with 3 computers connected. I have one wired directly (mine) and the other 2 use the wireless. Just recently my younger brother was chatting with his friend and during conversation he gave the info including Mac address of his computer. In turns his friend logged in to his computer and deleted some files. I want to know is there any way I can secure the network in which this doesn’t happen?
Since implementing tomato firmware there is lots of disconnects in the wireless connection. I heard that DD-WRT is better for wireless if so how I should go about updating to that firmware?
Is there anyway I can monitor my computer what he does in there without me going to his computer? I mean from my computer.
Thanks

[Dave98]

Sounds like that "friend" has either installed a trojan or some sort of remote control software on your brothers computer. I'd run some virus scans and check what kind of processes are running on that computer.

As for the disconnections, try changing the channel on which the network is running on. To do this, go the Tomato options and the Basic -> Network screen.

Look for the channel option and try channels 1, 6, or 11.

[Tijuana]

Ya, nice *friend* to do that. Sounds deff like a trojan, easiest way, is to not give out any info, its almost as simple as that.

[kenyu28]

If it's a trojan from his friend, then I don't think it has much to do with home network security. A good anti-virus should protect against the trojan on his computer.

An easy fix for home security is to increase the encryption strength on your wireless router, and get a really hard to crack password.

[pitz]

Sounds like your brother needs to be 'schooled' on proper use of a computer.

I've set up lots of computers for people in my immediate and extended family. And there are rules. If they install Limewire, or any of those file sharing programs (ie: bit torrent), if they open email attachments that aren't .wav, .mp3, .jpg, or .gif, or if they visit adult websites -- its pretty simple, I won't be cleaning up the mess.

Short of cutting off his 'net access altogether, there's almost nothing you can do about this sort of attack. If you want to cut his Internet access off, just log into your router on the command line, and enter in a nonsensical route for the IP of his computer. Packets to/from the WAN connection will be routed off into la-la land. But he will still be able to access local network resources.

[ShootingStars]

Sounds like your brother needs to be 'schooled' on proper use of a computer.

I've set up lots of computers for people in my immediate and extended family. And there are rules. If they install Limewire, or any of those file sharing programs (ie: bit torrent), if they open email attachments that aren't .wav, .mp3, .jpg, or .gif, or if they visit adult websites -- its pretty simple, I won't be cleaning up the mess.

Short of cutting off his 'net access altogether, there's almost nothing you can do about this sort of attack. If you want to cut his Internet access off, just log into your router on the command line, and enter in a nonsensical route for the IP of his computer. Packets to/from the WAN connection will be routed off into la-la land. But he will still be able to access local network resources.

get kaspersky... better than AVG/avast :D

[paaji]

thanks for all the responses
I ran kaspersky and there was no trojans or viruses. My brother said he was able to control the whole desktop from his side. I guess he logged in from his computer to my brother. Isn't there any setting on linksys router that will prevent people taking over.

thanks

[infamouskid]

some programs like dataset remote control do not show up as a trojan in scans.

i would recommend looking at your startup and services.

[chatbox]

Get a layer 7 firewall and configure rules for in and out traffic, as well as the application protocols. The firewall will be able to scan for virus and trojans while in transit.

[willy]

Get a layer 7 firewall and configure rules for in and out traffic, as well as the application protocols. The firewall will be able to scan for virus and trojans while in transit.
Hey chatbox, long time no see :-0

[Bskll]

Packets to/from the WAN connection will be routed off into la-la land.

Oh how I love the devilishness of this line.