Ten Tips towards a Secure Wireless Internet Connection
Wireless hardware is so easy to set up anymore that most people can simply plug it in and start using their network without giving much thought to security issues. That doesn't mean hackers haven't thought about them.
One key issue is bandwidth theft. Anyone can steal it from your wireless connection provided that they are close enough to get a strong signal. This will ultimately slow down your internet connection. You'll also be responsible for anything they online since you are their access point to the internet.
Bandwidth theft isn't the worst part of leaving your wireless network insecure. There is much worse things that can happen. A knowledgeable hacker can easily capture and view the contents of your wireless-network traffic. This includes all of your e-mail messages and log-in passwords. They can also hijack your online identity for nefarious purposes, such as using your network and computers to attack other systems.
By taking a few extra minutes to configure all of your network's security features, your computer should remain safe. Here are ten of the best and easiest ways to keep your computer safe:
Change Default Administrator Passwords (and Usernames) - The core of most Wi-Fi home networks is the access point or router. Manufacturers provide Web pages that allow owners to enter their network address and account information when setting up the equipment. They are protected with a login screen so only the owner can do this. These provided logins, however, are simple and well-known to hackers on the Internet. Be sure to change these settings immediately.
Turn on WPA / WEP Encryption - Wi-Fi equipment supports some form of encryption. This technology scrambles messages sent over wireless networks so that they cannot be easily read by humans. Several encryption technologies exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally you will want to pick the strongest type of encryption that works for your wireless network. All Wi-Fi devices on your LAN must share the identical encryption settings in order to function properly.
Change the Default SSID - Access points and routers use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers ship their products with the same SSID set. Though, knowing your SSID alone can't let anyone to break into your network, but it is somewhere to start. More importantly, when someone finds a default SSID, they see it as a poorly configured network and are much more likely to attack it. Immediately change the default SSID when configuring your LAN network.
Enable MAC Address Filtering - Every single piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier called the MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of MAC addresses of all the devices that connect it. Many offer the owner an option to key in the MAC addresses of their home equipment that restricts the network to only permit connections from those devices. Hacker software programs can fake MAC addresses easily.
Disable SSID Broadcast - The access point or router will typically broadcast the network name over the air at regular intervals. This was designed for businesses and mobile hotspots where people come and go. This feature is unnecessary in your home, and it increases the chances a hacker will try to log in to your home network. Most Wi-Fi access points allow the SSID broadcast feature to be disabled by its network administrator.
Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks - Automatically connecting to an open Wi-Fi network like a wireless hotspot exposes your computer to some security risks. Although it's normally not enabled, most computers have a setting allowing these connections to happen automatically without letting you know.
Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices - Home networkers normally use dynamic IP addresses. This technology is quick and easy to set up, but it also works to the advantage of network attackers, who can easily obtain valid IP addresses from a network's DHCP pool. Turn off DHCP on the router or access point, set a fixed IP address range, then set each connected device to match.
Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the Router - Today's routers contain a built-in firewall capability, but there are options to disable them if you choose. Make sure your firewall is turned on and try installing and running personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router for extra protection.
Position the Router or Access Point Safely - Wi-Fi signals normally reach outside of a home but that small amount of "leakage" is not a problem. Just be aware that the further the signal reaches, the easier it is for others to detect and exploit it. Your signal often times will reach through neighboring homes for example. When installing a wireless home network, where the access point or router is placed determines its reach. Put them near the center of your home rather than near windows to minimize any leakage.
Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use - Shutting down the network is the best in security and will prevent outside hackers from breaking in with certainty. This doesn't mean turning it off and on at all time but, at least consider doing it when you know you won't be home or offline for a long period of time.
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