How to Secure a Wireless Internet Connection

Though wireless networks provide increased mobility to users, data security is one of the key concerns. Data transmitted in a wireless network is more susceptible to being tampered with than a wired Internet connection. Easy availability of wireless hardware and software has made it effortless for hackers to hack into unprotected networks. Here is how you can secure a wireless Internet connection.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Change default login information soon after setting up and configuring the wireless connection.

2. Change the Service Set Identifier (SSID) and access points immediately after configuring the wireless network. The default SSID for ease of configuration is a simple name, typically that of the manufacturer.

3. Disable SSID broadcast. Generally, routers and access points regularly and automatically broadcast the SSID making it useful in mobile hotspots where consumers come, use the service and move on. Disabling SSID, particularly in home offices hides the network from prying eyes though it can still be detected by other means.

4. Use devices that support at least WPE, data security protocol in wireless networks. WPA and WPA2 provide enhanced security. Maintain data security level by using equipment conforming to the same security protocol. Even a single device following a lower level of security measures makes an easy target for cyber attacks.

5. For advanced security, setup a firewall on all hosts. This should be in addition to the firewall that routers anyway support.

6. Minimize leakage of wireless signal by placing the router or access points in a central location within the premises. Setting up these devices in a balcony or near a window/door sends the signal outside, where it can be easily used by other suitably configured devices. In this respect, some routers even give users the option of reducing signal range to ensure signal reception within the building.

7. Feed MAC addresses, unique identifiers of networking devices, into the router and access points to restrict hosts communicating with each other in a wireless network. This is particularly useful in small wireless networks like those set up in homes and home offices.

8. Avoid using DHCP to assign IP addresses dynamically. Instead, use static IP addresses for all hosts in a wireless network. Dynamic IP addresses are easy to use but also easy to hack into.

9. Restrict devices from connecting automatically to a wireless network.

10. Shut down all hosts and networking devices if they will not be in use for several days particularly when you are traveling.

11. Ensure that remote administration feature of the router is turned off. If the router is configured for remote management, anyone can have access to it.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure enhanced security by choosing software and hardware compatible with the same protocols.
• None of these methods is a full-proof way of securing a wireless network. Each of these steps however makes the network progressively secure leaving little room for unauthorized access. You can make it difficult for hackers to hack into your wireless network by implementing maximum number of security measures explained above.

[howsitdone]

on 2/12/2009 Good article -- a great starting point for setting up a wireless network!