Securing your wireless internet with a password

We recommend that you secure your network with a password to protect your internet from other people using it and to increase your security. The below setup relates to the Thomson TG585 v8 router supplied by Sure when you sign up to Sure broadband. If you are using any other equipment, please refer to your product's manual or website.

To protect your wireless connection you need to:

1. Connect to your unsecured internet connection with an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. You can only secure your network if you are connected to it.
2. When connected open your web browser (e.g. Internet explorer, Chrome or Firefox) and type 192.168.1.254 in the address bar and press enter.
3. It may ask for a username and password to connect to the router, as default username is Administrator and the password is the Serial number (S/N) on the bottom of the router that will look like this:
   
4. Scroll down to Home Network on the left hand side
5. Next, click on Wireless, then Configure on the top right hand corner. This will bring you to the wireless settings page.
6. Towards the bottom there will be a section called security where you can activate wireless protection and choose a wireless password.

Anti virus software

We have compiled a list of some useful security links to help you protect your computer. These links are all third party links and therefore we cannot accept responsibility for any problems you may experience whilst installing or using these products or the content available within these sites. This is by no means a definitive list so you may want to search for a product yourself.

Software downloads

Spam email

Spam emails are unwanted, sometimes fraudulent emails that are usually sent to you without your permission. They may be advertising a service or product and it is best to delete an email before opening it if you suspect that it is a fraudulent message as some can contain viruses.

Please be aware that Sure will never ask for your password in an email. If you are unsure if an email from Sure is legitimate please call us on 01481 700700 to double check. You should never give out any personal or bank details in an email unless you are certain of the recipient's identity.

Online security tips

Below are some helpful tips about how to keep safe and secure online. The internet can be a great resource, but it helps to be aware of your security online.

Be cautious making friends online

It's great to meet new friends from across the planet, but not everyone has good intentions. It is recommended to never give out any personal details over text or whilst chatting over the internet.

If your online friend wants to become an offline friend, neither children nor adults should meet them alone. Arrange to meet in a very public place and take a friend of family member along for support.

If you are a young person and feel uncomfortable about an online relationship, tell a responsible adult. You can also report online child abuse. If you are a parent, we encourage you to talk to your child about chat rooms to understand that not all of them are appropriate environments for young people.

Avoid mystery attachments

The files you open from photos and video clips in emails to links on pop ups could carry viruses and fraud software onto your computer. Make sure you only open files from trusted sources.

Report illegal content

If you are a parent, you should consider downloading an internet filter such as the Kitemark for child safety online. Your internet browser should also have a content blocker (for Internet Explorer look under: Tools - Internet Options - Content).

Remember, no filter is 100% effective. There is no substitute for good parental involvement. Childnet International provides more information for parents and young people about how to understand cyber culture.

Beware of pop ups bearing gifts

Never respond to junk or spam email and beware of pop up windows. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Phishing scams

Phishing is the name for a type of online crime to get valuable personal information. Criminals target individuals with emails from web sites which they think are trustworthy – such as a bank or credit card company. Legitimate businesses should not ask you for passwords, social security numbers, or other personal information through email. Remember emails from Sure Cable & Wireless will NEVER ask you for your password. To combat phishing use the MicroSoft Phishing Filter. You can report phishing frauds to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

Keep your credit card details safe

You can feel safe when buying from our online shop as our secure-server software encrypts all your personal information before it is sent. Our online shop is certified with VeriSign SSL Extended Validation Certificates. In addition we comply with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards and procedures to ensure your card details are kept safe.

Shop at secure websites

If shopping online, only use a reputable retailer and ensure that you are on a secure web page before sending credit card details. A padlock or unbroken key symbol will be displayed at the top or bottom of your browser window, or a green address bar at the top. These indicate a certified secure payment process.

You can sign up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode to prevent criminals from using your card details on participating sites by adding this extra password.

If you shop online regularly consider opening a dedicated credit card account. This will enable you to monitor transactions more easily and gain greater protections against online fraud. Credit cards usually also include added consumer protection.

Always read the small print

Before you sign up for anything ensure that you read all terms and conditions and small print to ensure that you know what you’re signing up for.

Illegal content

Our concern is with protecting Sure customers from accidentally viewing content which may upset and/or offend them. In addition please note that it is a criminal offense to view illegal content. Sure Broadband neither monitors, nor censors users wishing to view adult content. We will only block sites on the IWF black list and will not add any other content filters onto our service.

Useful links

Below are some useful links, please be aware that Sure is not responsible for the content of third party links.

Wi-Fi security checklist

There are several ways to help improve your security when using a Wi-Fi wireless network and setting up your home network:

1. Set a memorable password

When you set up your Sure broadband equipment we recommend that you set a password to secure your wireless and prevent others from using it.

2. Turn on WPA instead of WEP encryption

Encrypting your network means that data sent over the network is scrambled so the information cannot be read by a potential hacker. Some older equipment may not support the more secure WPA encryption, but if compatible setting a WPA network encryption can make it more difficult for hackers to access your network.

To set up WPA encryption in Windows simply:

Connect to your wireless network

Your wireless connection can then be accessed by using this new password and will be more secure than no encryption or a WEP encryption which can be easily hacked. 

3. Change the name of your router from the default

One advantage of changing the name of your router is simply to make it more difficult for a potential hacker to know the make or model of your router. Naming your router can also help you to easily find your connection if there are multiple networks available. To change the name of your router:

1. Connect to your unsecured internet connection with an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. You can only secure your network if you are connected to it.
2. When connected open your web browser (e.g. internet explorer) and type 192.168.1.254 in the address bar and press enter.
3. It may ask for a username and password to connect to the router, as default input the username Administrator and the password will be the Serial number (S/N) on the bottom of the router unless you have changed this when securing your broadband with a password previously.
4. Scroll down to Home Network on the left hand side
5. Next, click on Wireless, then Configure on the top right hand corner. This will bring you to the wireless settings page.
6. On this page you will be able to change the name of your router to a name of your choice.

4. Turn off your Wi-Fi if you go away

It's a simple solution, but if you are away for a long period of time, turning off your router will help prevent anyone spending time trying to hack into your network.