[Matth]

Securing a wireless router against casual abuse, the most important feature is to use WEP, which will need a key entered on the router and on any wireless PCs.

WEP can be defeated in a concerted attack, but it's a whole lot better than leaving a router open, unless you intend to provide a free access point for as far as the signal travels!

MAC address filtering is another option that can be used, though it does not provide a huge increase in security against anyone capable of breaking the WEP key.

Turning off SSID broadcast is often suggested, but on many setups, it results in erratic or non-connection. Change the SSID from deafult, so you can identify your router if another of the same type operates nearby.

It is also best to change any default password and disable remote (outside) management/login - just make sure that you know how to factory-reset the router, in case you lock yourself out, and that you do not apply restrictions to wired connection as well as wireless.

Falling foul of a non-broadcast SSID incompatibility, I ended up with a wireless lockout - retrieved by making a wired connection, and turning broadcast back on.