Secure your Wireless Network

These are three very good reasons to secure your network. Below are some steps you can take to secure your network and protect your information. Most of the information required to carry out these steps can be found in the user manual for your router or wireless access device.

Change the Admin Password
All wireless routers come with a default username and password to change settings, often something like “admin” / “0000”. By changing this password, you can prevent others from easily changing settings for your router. When changing the password, use a complex one that uses at least one number or special character.

Set a Network Password
A network password is a simple way of preventing unauthorized access to your network. All computers wanting to access the network will be required to enter the password. Only share the password with people who you wish to access the network.

Check for Manufacturer’s Updates
Most computer software has periodic updates, and the same may be true for your router. Check the manufacturer’s website for updates when you install the router, and every 4-6 months thereafter. Updates can include important fixes to possible security vulnerabilities.

Turn on Encryption
Encryption on routers is an easy way to disable unwanted use. By turning on an encryption bit level and a protocol, you require all users of the network to know the encryption key to access the network. Always use 128-bit encryption; if your router only supports 56-bit encryption, look for a driver update that will support 128-bit. Turn on WEP (wireless encryption protocol) at the very least; using WAP (WiFi protected access) or the more recent WAP2 is always a better choice.

Change your SSID and Turn Off SSID Broadcasting
The SSID (service set identifier) is the name of your network. It too comes with a manufacturer’s default setting. Change you SSID from the default, but steer clear of your company name, your street name or address, any product names or types you have, or anything else that is common knowledge to outsiders. Also, by turning off SSID broadcasting (usually on by default), you no longer broadcast the name of your network to any wireless devices within range. By changing your SSID and turning off SSID broadcasting, any unwanted user will have to guess what the name of your network is to even try and connect to it.

Disable DHCP
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows any computer to request IP information from the server only when the computer needs to complete a task on the network. While turning off DHCP will require you to set up static IP addresses for all computers on the network, it can help prevent unwanted connections, as the computers won’t be able to ask the server for a “one time” IP address.

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