How to Secure Wireless Internet Network At Home

With the growing concerns regarding computer network security, many countries around the world are implementing strict rules regarding wireless internet security in residential and commercial networks to protect against terrorist and hacking activities. Unsecured Wireless Internet networks are easy targets for Hackers who hack into unprotected networks, computer networks and even smart phones or PDA devices to carry out illegal activities. A few simple steps for protecting home wireless internet network can make people less vulnerable to network attacks.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wireless Internet.
• Wireless Router.
• Computer with either Microsoft Windows XP, Linux, MAC OS or any other operating system.
• Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome Internet browser.
• MAC address (Media Access Control) for all Internet capable devices.
• Basic computer skills for using DOS Command prompt.

1. 
   ipconfig Command

   The most basic step for securing wireless internet network is to configure the wireless router as per manufacturer's instruction guide or device software configuration guide. Find the IP address (Internet Protocol) of the wireless router. In Windows XP operating system, navigate to Start >> Run >> Type "cmd" in the box (without quotes) and hit Enter key. Now type the command "ipconfig /all" in the window and hit Enter key. This will show some information about the computer network like IP Address, Default Gateway Address and MAC Address (Media Access Protocol) for the Wi-Fi Network (as shown in picture). Note that the "Physical Address" is same as MAC address. Now open the Google Chrome browser or any other Internet browser and type the "Default Gateway" address in the address bar. At the prompt, enter the User name and Password for wireless router.

2. 
   MAC Address Filter

   If using a TRENDNET TEW-432BRP wireless router, the web interface will look similar to the one shown in picture. It will be similar for other manufacturer's web interfaces though. Click on the "Access" option on the left side menu options and select the second option "Only allow computers with MAC address listed below to access the network". As the name suggests, this will secure and protect the wireless network from any type of attacks from the computers not listed in the router's trusted list of devices. Under the "MAC Table" option, type a name for the device and the MAC Address of the device. The MAC Address is the same as "physical address" obtained from the ipconfig command in previous step. Click the "Add" button to add the computer to the trusted device list.

3. If a friend or relative is willing to use your wireless network, the above mentioned steps can be repeated to add their computers to the list of trusted devices. This way they will be able to use your Wireless Internet as long as they are on the list of trusted devices under MAC address filter. However, another easier method (but less recommended) is to password protect the wireless network. This is a quick and easy method to secure wireless network so that the password can be given to trusted people who wish to use the wireless internet network.

4. 

   The three types of authentication types by password protection method are by using WEP, WPA or WPA-PSK type. The most recommended is WEP authentication type. Navigate to "Wireless" option on the menu and click on "Security" option under it. In the "Key 1" box, type a password for the network and click "Apply" button. So if anyone wishes to use the network, the person must know this password. This method is not as highly recommended as the earlier one because people tend to forget their passwords. Also password protected networks can be hacked easily by professional hackers.

5. 

   In order to spread the word and to do a little community service, it is a good idea to inform the neighbors with "Unsecured" wireless networks about the advantages of securing their networks and by helping them secure their wireless internet. Double click on the wireless icon in the Windows task bar and click on "View Wireless Networks" button to see the list of nearby wireless networks with unsecured or secured statuses. Note that the MAC address filter method does not show your wireless network as "Secured" in this list.

Tips & Warnings

• Securing wireless internet network can also show a significant difference in the internet speed. This is because other internet users in the neighborhood will not be able to even accidentally access your network, so the network will not be shared with anyone else. This will boost internet speed.

[sweetness100]

on 11/17/2009 Is the "Default Gateway" address the same as the "physical address"? I typed it into my browser and nothing happened. What am I doing wrong?

[cosmiccowpie]

on 5/31/2009 OMGoodness... I need to do this! I will print out this article and make it happen. You have specific details and are making it easy to follow! Great job and keep us up there with you in cyber knowledge! 5*

[DrDanny]

on 5/31/2009 Great article! 5*