10 Tips for Wireless Home Network Security

It is a wonderful feeling to have s great home wireless network but it is  extremely important to ensure the security aspect of it too. In fact that is the most crucial part.

Let me run through quickly few of the home network security tips...

Change Default Administrator Passwords (and Usernames)

Its always better to change the user name and password set default by the administrator.At the core of most Wi-Fi home networks is an access point or router. Password and user name are provided to set up these pieces of equipment, hence change it to  something of you wish.

Turn on (Compatible) WPA / WEP Encryption

WPA is the WIFI protected access, is used to protect the exploitation of the home wireless networks.This is superior than its predecessor WEP.

Change the Default SSID

A service set identifier, or SSID, is a name used to identify the particular 802.11 wireless LANs to which a user wants to attach. Hence change the default SSID to an unique one known only to you.

Disable SSID Broadcast

After changing the SSID default value, disable broadcast of SSID. 

Enable MAC Address Filtering

Each piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier called the physical address or MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. Many such products offer the owner an option to key in the MAC addresses of their home equipment, that restricts the network to only allow connections from those devices. Do this, but also know that the feature is not so powerful as it may seem. Hackers and their software programs can fake MAC addresses easily.

Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks

Never try to get connected to some unknown WIFI hot spot or neighbor's router, it is always risky.

Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices

Most of us use dynamic IP, but the convenience we see is also see by the attackers, hence its preferable to use static IP.

Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the Router 

I hope this is self explanatory.

Position the Router or Access Point Safely

Wi-Fi signals normally reach to the exterior of a home. A small amount of signal leakage outdoors is not a problem, but the further this signal reaches, the easier it is for others to detect and exploit.

Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use

Shut down the network if you are sure of extended hours of non usage, its always good to do that.