5 tips for wireless security

Securing your private wireless network is a really simple thing to do. It should be taken seriously by everyone who has a wireless network. Strangers driving through your neighborhood and you r neighbors could use your wireless access point to gain free access to the internet and to your sensitive information. With these tips, you can secure your wireless.

1) Use encryption: Wireless routers the the option of encrypting your data using WEP, WPA and WPA2. The latter being the strongest method. Any being better than none.

2) Use a password: Set up a password to access the wireless network. Don't just leave access open to anyone that easily. And do not use a common word found in a dictionary. Password cracker programs are made for those.

3) Do not broadcast the name of your network: Your wireless networks SSID or name should not be broadcast to passers by. also, choose a hard to guess name for it. Common names like internet, wireless and home are not good choices.

4) MAC filtering: Your router or access point has the ability to prevent unknown devices from connecting. A banevolent haker can still clone a MAC address but, this measure will certainly act as a deturent and, stop most attempts.

5) Restrict access to ceratain hours: Some wireless routers allow access restictions based on time of day. If yours does then make use of it. Only allow access when you know that you'll be useing it.

Bonus Track: Make sure that your computer is up-to-date with anti-virus, security patches and firewall software, as this will help prevent malware based connections to your network.

source

Powered by ScribeFire.