This is not really a Just Ask Matt today. No, this email below was sent my way by proxy and to be honest, it took me by surprise. Take a look…

I currently have a Macbook Pro 15.4″ and my modem is in the living. So of course I use a wireless router (Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless Router WNR854T) so I can use my laptop freely in the house. The only security I have on the router is WEP 64bit (I think). Well the other day I came home and for some reason I couldn’t connect to my router. So I reseted it and I was able to connect, but then my cursor started moving around so I knew someone was trying to hack me. In response I quickly turn off my airport wireless card, but I left my router on. So now I wanted to get in and change the security settings but my router was dead?! Now whenever I turn the router on only the power light comes on and the port, internet and wireless lights will not come on.

First off, I do not think that a Mac is a likely candidate for being hacked, short of something happening via remote desktop of course. There is mention of the cursor moving on its own, but this honestly means nothing as it could be another USB mouse that was being bumped, or the trackpad was having a malfunction. The list of viable explanations go on. Then the person who wrote in mentioned that he was no longer able to use his router? Normally in a case like this, you might trying to login to it from a web browser. If that fails, try pinging it. Still no love there, time for a total router reset.

But it is more complex than that it seems, as from what it sounds like above, there is an actual hardware issue or connectivity issues as there is no more network activity action happening with the lights on the router itself. Of course, in instances like this, try another router in its place, right?

The entire thing sounds like a series of unfortunate circumstances and I am going to share a few things to hopefully clear the air.

1. The likelihood of someone actually having access to your desktop is very, very, very unlikely. Even considering the remote desktop solutions out there. I would check for USB mice plugged in at the time or consider a possible issue with the trackpad.
2. WEP and MAC address filtering is a good start, but not seriously going to protect you if you are wanting decent wireless security. WEP and MAC address filtering are basically the Windows Me version of wireless security. Anyone with any basic wireless experience can crack WEP easily and can clone a MAC address in a matter of seconds - it is very simple to do. This user needs to make sure he is using modern equipment using WPA encryption, not “MAC filtering”, which is like putting a band-aid on a shattered rib cage. If you simply cannot buy a secure router, at the very least, use all of the options you are already AND stop broadcasting your SSID (the name of the wifi network). After this, you would have to enter it manually as it would be ‘invisible’, but you will make sure you are not as easy to find.
3. Look into a firewall. If concerned about people snooping around your system, enable the Mac’s firewall. Every PC I do anything of importance on is using some level of firewall at all times. In some cases, I am even using a VPN when away from home.

Hopefully this helps some. Because again, using WEP and MAC filtering is no different than yelling this out your window.

“Attention everyone, I have all my personal papers here on my coffee table. My front door is protected with a chain-lock and I am using a Nerf football for security.”

All joking aside, the example above is to make it clear as to what malicious users see, not in any way making fun of the individual user who is likely pretty disturbed from this experience. Bring in the deadbolt and replace the Nerf for a crowbar. Think WPA and firewall. You will glad you did.