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Top home wireless security methods explained.
Published: 01/31/2010
These tips are what the pros use to ensure their networks are secure. The cool thing is that it is not that hard for the average person to stumble through. At the very least, you can sound more intelligent when contacting a local computer repair service.
1. Change the default username and password on your router - Out of the box your new wireless router has the default manufactures credentials to access the administrative area. After logging in for the first time find out where to change it to something that is not easily guessed but one that you can remember.
2. Password protect and encrypt your network -You also want to ensure that all devices that join your wireless network enter a password. You should also minimally provide WPA encryption, WPA2 is even better, your wireless network may take a slight performance hit, but it is a minimal price to pay for the needed security.
3. Only allow specific MAC addresses to join your network - This is a bit on the more advanced side, but you can restrict the physical devices that are allowed to join your network. Most home networks have the same devices that connect to it. You should enable this feature in your admin area and specify each MAC address on your network. Do a quick search in Google on how to find your MAC address, then enter it in your wireless router.
4. Don't broadcast your SSID and change the default SSID. - Typically when you are attempting to connect to a wireless network you will see names of the networks that are in range, this is because the SSID (name) of the wireless network is being broadcast. You want to disable this feature. This will prevent anyone else from seeing that your network is in range. You will still be able to join your network because you are aware of the SSID name. You will also want to change the SSID name that comes with your router because it can be used to identify what type of device your router is. If a hacker knows what device you're using he can leverage that information to exploit you easier.
5. Learn how to check the logs on your router. - Most consumer routers typically have a built in firewall. You should learn where the logs are being written to and examine what it says. If you look in your logs and see a computer that is constantly trying to access your network, but you are not familiar with the network it is coming from, then you may want to report it to your ISP. When you get better you can even set a rule in your firewall to block any requests coming from the unidentified computer network.
6. Learn how to keep your firmware updated. - You should periodically check if your router has any updates that need to be installed. Just as you download the newest updates for your personal pc it is important to keep your router up to date. This can typically be found as an option in your routers administration area. You will first want to make sure that you backup your routers current configuration in case something goes wrong.
7. Think of changing your default network range. - This is also another advanced step, but will add another level of security to your network. Traditionally your network and all computers on your home network have an IP address of 192.168.1.X. You should change this to be something like 192.168.2.X, probably 85% of home users are using the default range, which makes guessing for computers on a network that much easier for a hacker. There are 2 parts to this change. First change the range that the router is on and then make sure the DHCP server on your router is also set to assign addresses in this range. Do a search in Google on how to do this for your device. If you mess up you can always follow your routers documentation to return to factory settings.
8. Update your antivirus software. This is the software that you have installed on your individual computer systems. Be sure to keep your subscription up to date and your virus definitions as new as possible. A good way to protect your network and devices is to have multiple layers of protection; this is just another layer of protection.
9. Make sure to have your own personal firewall. Even though your wireless router may have a built it firewall, you will need to install a firewall on your personal computer. This will provide another layer that also helps you against problems within your own network.
10. Learn to turn off the wireless device when you leave for extended periods of time. While turning off the wireless device nightly may be overkill in certain situations, if you know that you are going on vacation or will be out of town for a few days it is worth shutting it down. If you don't have a wireless network, then none of your systems are accessible wirelessly. If you follow and integrate a few of these tips you will be well on your way to ensuring that your home network is secure. Make yourself a reminder to do any periodic updates that are needed.
