The
every aspect of the security of wireless networks has become very
important since terror e-mails were sent to media by suspected
terrorists. Terrorists use wireless non-secure
networks to hack Wi-Fi network of an individual and sent emails just
before the bombs exploded in Ahmedabad and New Delhi.
It is in this environment protecting your unsecured Wi-Fi network becomes very important for someone the same real.
Here are 10 simple ways in which you can protect your wireless network:
1. Change passwords and usernames for administrator default:
The majority of access or routers points come enabled with a default set of username / password combinations. These combinations are well documented and available online for hackers to use. If
a hacker can access the administrative pages of the device you can
modify the configuration and control all aspects of your device. These user name / password combinations can be changed from the administrative panel and should be something difficult to guess.
Keep a password that is difficult to guess and not easy to decipher. A
good password is 8 characters, not easily guessable, contains letters
uppercase and lowercase, as well as numbers and special characters such
as $, preferably **, %!.
2 Enable encryption:
All wireless devices support some kind of encryption. Encryption technology mixed messages sent over the air and ensures that it can not be intercepted by hackers. There are several encryption for wireless communication technologies today. WPA is stronger than commonly available encryption technology for household devices. While you can also use WEP cracking WEP is only a matter of minutes. We
would like to advice businesses to go for WPA with TKIP, EAP
authentication / encryption RC4 or WPA 2 with authentication EAP,
AES-CCMP encryption for added security.
3. Change the default SSID:
Access points and routers use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers usually deliver their products with the same SSID for all routers. For example, the SSID for Netgear devices is usually 'NETGEAR'. The default SSID can change from the administrative panel and should be in something unique.
4 Enable MAC address filtering:
Each wireless device has a unique identifier called physical address or MAC address. Routers and access points to a follow-up to the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. Wireless
routers offer the option key on the MAC address of his home team in
order to restrict the network to allow only the connections of devices. Ensures rogue users cannot connect to the wireless router without using advanced techniques of simulation of MAC.
5 Turn off the SSID broadcast:
The router or wireless access point usually broadcasts the network name (SSID) by air at regular intervals. This function was designed for businesses and Mobile hotspots where wireless clients can roam in and out of range. For
home user, this roaming feature is unnecessary and increases the
likelihood that someone will try to log on the home network. Fortunately, more wireless access points allow the broadcast SSID function to be disabled by the network administrator. The SSID name can be entered manually on devices to avoid the need for SSID broadcasts to be activated.
6. Do not auto - connect to wireless open:
Connect
to a wireless network opened as a wireless access point free or your
neighbor router exposes your computer to security risks and attacks. Although
it is not normally enabled, most of the teams are available
configuration that enables these connections happen automatically
without notification to the user. This option should not be enabled except in temporary situations.
7 Assign static IP addresses to devices:
Most wireless devices Home uses dynamic IP addresses. DHCP technology is really easy to configure. Unfortunately,
this convenience also works to the advantage of the intrusion of the
network, who can easily obtain valid IP addresses from the network DHCP
pool. Disable DHCP on the router or access point,
set a fixed IP address range instead and then configure each connected
device to match with. Using a private range of IP addresses (as 10.0.0. x) prevents that the teams comes directly from the Internet.
8. enable firewalls on each computer and router:
Modern network routers contain built-in firewall feature, but the option exists to disable them. Make sure the router firewall is enabled. For extra protection, consider install and run personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router.
9. place the router or access point with security:
Wireless signals normally reach the exterior of a home. A
small amount of signal loss outdoors is not a problem, but the more
this signal reaches, the easier it is for others to discover and
explore. Wireless signals often reach through neighboring homes and streets. To install a wireless home network, the position of the access point or router determines its scope. Try to position these devices near the center of the home, rather than near Windows to minimize leaks. Many routers allow you to reduce the range of the router in the Administrative Panel to prevent signal loss.
10. disconnect the network during prolonged periods of inactivity:
The ultimate in wireless security measures, shut down your network will certainly prevent outside hackers breaking! Although
impractical to turn off and on frequently devices, at least consider
doing it during the trip or long periods of downtime.
