How to Secure Wireless Network: A Simple Guide
Well securing your wireless network with a password and having a secure wireless network with the key will basically secure your network but we need to go further to really protect your network and your privacy. At most every home user Wi-Fi networks is a router, which basically sends data between the wireless device and internet. To access that router, one has to access admin panel through the web browser and this is the place where you enter network address and account information. This admin panel is also protected with the first level security.
Here are the few steps which you can use and increase your level of security and privacy and have a secure wireless network
- Protected Setup and Updated Firmware.
Always look for the updated firmware for the router such that this ensures the latest security. If updating your router, your new device will follow either the 802.11n or 802.11ac specification. It will almost certainly come with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), usually a button that lets you skip password setup until you’ve securely logged into the admin panel. Older routers can develop security issues as you attach new devices, so check the manufacturer’s site for a firmware update.
2. Password and SSID
After the firmware update, you need to restart the router and after that, you need to configure security options again to ensure correct setup of passwords and security. We recommend using WPA-PSK or WPA2, and a new password that includes both letters and numbers. By default, routers broadcast their ID, but it’s easy to stop. In your router’s admin panel you’ll find an option to stop broadcasting the SSID (service set identifier). To connect, you’ll need to enter both the name and password; it won’t appear on the list of available networks.
3. MAC Filtering
If you use static IP address for each device then your network will be faster, more reliable, and more secure and also you can see which devices are connecting. You can do this by creating a list of MAC addresses for your devices, only allowing these to connect while blocking unrecognized devices. Look for an address filtering option in your router admin panel. An easy method to find the MAC address for a Windows PC, go to CMD and type “getmac”.
4. Disable Autocorrect and Wireless Admin
Connection to open Wi-Fi networks exposes your PC. Disable this by clicking “Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Manage Wireless Networks.” Right-click the one you want to change, click “Properties > Connection” and uncheck “Connect automatically”. Restrict router admin through a wireless connection to stop wireless hacking.
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