If your network is wireless, consider these tips for WiFi security and have some wit. Your wireless network has opened many different attacks compared to a wired network. However, do not worry, I will share safety tips on your wireless network.
Security is a “system” and that’s why you should consider incorporating these tips mentioned in this article rather than choosing the one that is the easiest to implement. The wireless device makes life easier
Let’s start with the three main “no-brainers” you need to do when you
open your wireless router:
1.) Change the default administrator username and password
The primary device on your network is your access point or router. This unit provides a local web page where you can connect and configure the device. All manufacturers have a similar username and password. These hackers know and try the main username and password on your router. Some common usernames are admin and administrators. A few passwords: (password empty), password and admin.
2.) Change your SSID
The SSID is the name of the access point to the wireless network or the router. Most manufacturers send these devices with the same SSID. The name of this network will be visible to all users in the range and will give the distance to the router. When you change the SSID, do not change it into anything that will give you the distance to your neighbors. In other words, do not use your last name as “Smith’s Network”.
3.) Use strong encryption
Do not use WEP !!! Anyone can download a simple program and break your WEP encryption key in minutes. Instead, use WPA or WPA2. This type of encryption is safe for your wireless network beyond WEP. Once you get a stronger encryption method, you should change this standard.
After these 3 basic tips, I advise you the following tips for your WiFi security …
4.) Do not broadcast your SSID
If you think your Wi-Fi network is likely to be a target for hackers, I recommend that you configure your router to not broadcast your SSID. This means that you must pre-configure your wireless devices using the SSID and the network key, and then configure your router’s settings. When someone tries to search for a wireless network range, you will not appear. The SSID network name is in stealth mode. Some sophisticated hackers can still know the hidden SSID. But this tip with the others I mentioned in this article will definitely help with your overall WiFi security.
5.) Enable MAC address filtering
This feature on any router allows you to configure the MAC addresses of the devices for which you want to allow access to your network. With this feature enabled, you will not be the target of hackers looking for an easy challenge. Think of the thief stealing the car with the window instead of the car next door with the door unlocked. The thief does not know that the door is unlocked, he only sees the chance that the window is lowered.
6.) Do not share your wireless overload
More laptops and workstations will connect to your wireless access point and your Internet speed will be slower. The speed of your Internet connection is shared between all computers. This means that if your unauthorized neighbors and users use your wireless Internet without your knowledge, you call your ISP for many slow speed issues.
7.) Change your passwords regularly.
Change your password and WPA login credentials approximately every 3 months. This makes it harder for anyone to try a malicious attack on your network and your computers. If a hacker has access to your network or computer, your new credentials will be denied.
8.) Always have an antivirus and a firewall running.
Your antivirus can detect and block malicious malware and viruses that can allow remote access to a hacker. These programs can be used as backdoor and rootkits that provide remote access to a hacker without your knowledge. Windows XP, Vista and 7 all have their own firewall. Enable the built-in firewall feature on your router to block intruders before they reach your actual computer.
9.) Disable DHCP.
Your router uses DHCP to efficiently assign IP settings to all devices on your network. This is a great feature that can save you time by manually assigning multiple IP addresses to a large network. However, in your home network, more devices and you can easily disable DHCP and configure all your network devices with static IP addresses. This ensures that hackers can not connect only and recover IP network settings. It presents another hoop for a hacker and it is likely that the hackers give up and move on to another network “easier” to hack.
10.) Check your DHCP lease pool routers.
If DHCP is left, you can check a router interface table that shows which devices are currently connected to it. This table typically displays the computer name, IP address, and MAC address of the connected device. You can quickly identify a device with unauthorized access and act by changing your security settings and encryption methods.
As I said earlier, try to remember this important concept: “Security is a system.” The many features are together to create a secure system and this article on WiFi security will help you secure your wireless network.
