[ILUG] Ripwave, Wireless router and security?

[John Gay]

Well, I've got a Ripwave modem for internet access until Irish Broadband can 
setup my 2M link, which is then plugged into a U.S.Robotics Wireless router 
which is then networked to my Linux box, my Daughters old WindowsXP box and 
providing a wireless link for her new laptop.

My question is, how worried should I be about security? The Ripwave offers 
nothing concerning password setup, and I haven't dug too deeply into U.S.R. 
docs about this.

On the WindowsXP box I've run Ad-Aware and clamAV, since I've not upgraded the 
Norton AV software since it ran out, but I haven't run anything yet on the 
laptop.

I am thinking at the very least I should setup some kind of password for the 
wireless router to keep the casual user from strolling near the house and 
surfing on my broadband and possibly peeking inside our PC's when they're on. 
But what about attacks from the Internet side from IB?

My previous setup used a Smoothwall box for Internet access which provided my 
peace of mind. Now I'm not so sure?

Any tips or suggestions appreciated.

Cheers,

	John Gay