Overcoming an insecure network...Possible? Not?

Are their ANY extra security precautions that a person can take that will keep their pc secure on a wireless network that they have no control over?

See, I'm trying to take as many steps as I can to secure my pc from viruses, trojans, etc. But the thing is that internet is included in my rent. I live in a duplex so only one other person shares the network (my landlord), and when I asked him about his router I got the following info:

Router Firewall: He assumes it came with one built-in
Firmware updates: He assumes it auto updates

So basically, it's probably crap for security. I know it's WEP secured and I've offerred to help configure it to a WPA or WPA2. And lastly, he's a dirty old man...I'm positive he's browsing all the porn sites he possibly can. Not absolutely sure, but pretty sure that affects security of the whole network in general. You all would know better about that than I would.

The way I see it, there is no way to overcome those issues as long as my pc is on his network. PLEASE TELL ME I AM WRONG! Is there anything I can do other than eat the monthly cost and just get my own router/internet? Thanks!

 

usually there is a firewall unless disabled; router firmware could be auto, depends. Both need checking. Some routers have user separation, check. Persuade him to use WPA/2

When using the router treat is if you were on a public wifi. So hostile. Using firewall set up the network as untrusted. Normally AV updated and always on. Possible set up and use vpn

 

Use HTTPS. Use a good firewall.

 

Thank you both.

I use ESET NOD32 AV and SAS Pro real-time (I read they play well together?) Mbam Pro - on Demand scanning and Spybot S&D - on demand, as well. As for the firewall, I did read the firewall stickies here on Wilder's and was pretty confident after that so I installed comodo firewall (for a week) but I got so many allow/block prompts from it and didn't know what I should allow or block. I was making security decisions based on guesses in the end so I uninstalled an re-enabled Windows Firewall/wAS(windows 7 x64).

I'll have to get more info on the router and research VPN, HTTPS, and proper firewall configuration (again). Looks like I've got some reading to do. Thanks.

 

Does the modem has a switch built in ? That is, does it have more than 1 ethernet jack? If so, buy 2 routers and connect the landlord to one, and connect you to the other. That way, the landlord has his own network and you have your own network. Porn sites are known to spread viruses and malware. It would be wise to separate your PC from his.