| Wireless hardware is so easy to set up anymore | | | | called the MAC address. Access points and |
| that most people can simply plug it in and start | | | | routers keep track of MAC addresses of all the |
| using their network without giving much thought | | | | devices that connect it. Many offer the owner an |
| to security issues. That doesn't mean hackers | | | | option to key in the MAC addresses of their |
| haven't thought about them. | | | | home equipment that restricts the network to |
| One key issue is bandwidth theft. Anyone can | | | | only permit connections from those devices. |
| steal it from your wireless connection provided | | | | Hacker software programs can fake MAC |
| that they are close enough to get a strong signal. | | | | addresses easily. |
| This will ultimately slow down your internet | | | | - Disable SSID Broadcast - The access point or |
| connection. You'll also be responsible for anything | | | | router will typically broadcast the network name |
| they online since you are their access point to the | | | | over the air at regular intervals. This was designed |
| internet. | | | | for businesses and mobile hotspots where people |
| Bandwidth theft isn't the worst part of leaving | | | | come and go. This feature is unnecessary in your |
| your wireless network insecure. There is much | | | | home, and it increases the chances a hacker will |
| worse things that can happen. A knowledgeable | | | | try to log in to your home network. Most Wi-Fi |
| hacker can easily capture and view the contents | | | | access points allow the SSID broadcast feature |
| of your wireless-network traffic. This includes all | | | | to be disabled by its network administrator. |
| of your e-mail messages and log-in passwords. | | | | - Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks - |
| They can also hijack your online identity for | | | | Automatically connecting to an open Wi-Fi |
| nefarious purposes, such as using your network | | | | network like a wireless hotspot exposes your |
| and computers to attack other systems. | | | | computer to some security risks. Although it's |
| By taking a few extra minutes to configure all of | | | | normally not enabled, most computers have a |
| your network's security features, your computer | | | | setting allowing these connections to happen |
| should remain safe. Here are ten of the best and | | | | automatically without letting you know. |
| easiest ways to keep your computer safe: | | | | - Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices - Home |
| - Change Default Administrator Passwords (and | | | | networkers normally use dynamic IP addresses. |
| Usernames) - The core of most Wi-Fi home | | | | This technology is quick and easy to set up, but it |
| networks is the access point or router. | | | | also works to the advantage of network |
| Manufacturers provide Web pages that allow | | | | attackers, who can easily obtain valid IP |
| owners to enter their network address and | | | | addresses from a network's DHCP pool. Turn off |
| account information when setting up the | | | | DHCP on the router or access point, set a fixed |
| equipment. They are protected with a login screen | | | | IP address range, then set each connected device |
| so only the owner can do this. These provided | | | | to match. |
| logins, however, are simple and well-known to | | | | - Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the |
| hackers on the Internet. Be sure to change these | | | | Router - Today's routers contain a built-in firewall |
| settings immediately. | | | | capability, but there are options to disable them if |
| - Turn on WPA / WEP Encryption - Wi-Fi | | | | you choose. Make sure your firewall is turned on |
| equipment supports some form of encryption. | | | | and try installing and running personal firewall |
| This technology scrambles messages sent over | | | | software on each computer connected to the |
| wireless networks so that they cannot be easily | | | | router for extra protection. |
| read by humans. Several encryption technologies | | | | - Position the Router or Access Point Safely - |
| exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally you will want to | | | | Wi-Fi signals normally reach outside of a home but |
| pick the strongest type of encryption that works | | | | that small amount of "leakage" is not a problem. |
| for your wireless network. All Wi-Fi devices on | | | | Just be aware that the further the signal reaches, |
| your LAN must share the identical encryption | | | | the easier it is for others to detect and exploit it. |
| settings in order to function properly. | | | | Your signal often times will reach through |
| - Change the Default SSID - Access points and | | | | neighboring homes for example. When installing a |
| routers use a network name called the SSID. | | | | wireless home network, where the access point |
| Manufacturers ship their products with the same | | | | or router is placed determines its reach. Put them |
| SSID set. Though, knowing your SSID alone can't | | | | near the center of your home rather than near |
| let anyone to break into your network, but it is | | | | windows to minimize any leakage. |
| somewhere to start. More importantly, when | | | | - Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods |
| someone finds a default SSID, they see it as a | | | | of Non-Use - Shutting down the network is the |
| poorly configured network and are much more | | | | best in security and will prevent outside hackers |
| likely to attack it. Immediately change the default | | | | from breaking in with certainty. This doesn't mean |
| SSID when configuring your LAN network. | | | | turning it off and on at all time but, at least |
| - Enable MAC Address Filtering - Every single | | | | consider doing it when you know you won't be |
| piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier | | | | home or offline for a long period of time. |