When you set up a wireless net connection in your home it is easy for your neighbors to connect to the net using your wifi if proper security steps are not taken. Here are ten easy steps to protect your Wifi
1. Change Default Administrator Passwords
At the core of most Wi-Fi home networks is an access point or router. To set up these pieces of equipment, manufacturers provide Web pages that allow owners to enter their network address and account information. These Web tools are protected with a login screen (username and password) so that only the rightful owner can do this. However, for any given piece of equipment, the logins provided are simple and very well-known to hackers on the Internet. Change these settings and set up usernames and password that are only known to you.
For eg When you buy a TATA Indicom connection once you open Internet explorer the welcome page of Tata Indicom appears now it asks for your username and password this is mainly default when you buy the coneection.
2. Turn on WPA / WEP Encryption
All Wi-Fi equipment supports some form of encryption. Encryption technology scrambles messages sent over wireless networks so that they cannot be easily read by humans. Several encryption technologies exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally you will want to pick the strongest form of encryption that works with your wireless network. However, the way these technologies work, all Wi-Fi devices on your network must share the identical encryption settings. Therefore you may need to find a "lowest common demoninator" setting.
3. Change the Default SSID
Access points and routers all use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers normally ship their products with the same SSID set. For example, the SSID for Linksys devices is normally "linksys."or"UTSTarcom" True, knowing the SSID does not by itself allow your neighbors to break into your network, but it is a start. More importantly, when someone finds a default SSID, they see it is a poorly configured network and are much more likely to attack it. Change it or do not broadcast your SSID at all.
4.Enable Mac address protection
Each piece of Wifi gear possesses a unique identifier called the physical address or MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. Many such products offer the owner an option to key in the MAC addresses of their home equipment, that restricts the network to only allow connections from those devices. Do this, but also know that the feature is not so powerful as it may seem. Hackers and their software programs can fake MAC addresses easily.
5. Disable SSID Broadcasting
In Wifi networking, the wireless access point or router typically broadcasts the network name (SSID) over the air at regular intervals. This feature was designed for businesses and mobile hotspots where Wifi clients may roam in and out of range. In the home, this roaming feature is unnecessary, and it increases the likelihood someone will try to hack into your home network. Fortunately, most Wi-Fi access points allow the SSID broadcast feature to be disabled by the network administrator.
6. Do Not Automatically Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks
Connecting to an open Wifi network such as a free wireless hotspot or your neighbor's router exposes your computer to security risks. Most computers have a setting available allowing these connections to happen automatically without notifying you . This setting should not be enabled except in temporary situations.
7.Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the Router
Modern network routers contain built-in firewall capability, but the option also exists to disable them. Ensure that your router's firewall is turned on. Also, consider installing and running personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router.
8.Position the Router or Access Point Safely
Wifi signals normally reach to the exterior of a home. A small amount of signal leakage outdoors is not a problem, but the further this signal reaches, the easier it is for others to detect and exploit. Wi-Fi signals often reach through neighboring homes and into streets, for example. When installing a wireless home network, the position of the access point or router determines its reach. Try to position these devices near the center of the home rather than near windows to minimize leakage.
9.Constantly watch your router
Constantly keep an eye on your router if the LAN light blinks even when nobody is accesing the net in your house it is a clear sign that someone is riding onto your net Immediately switch off your router Now
10.Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use
The ultimate in wireless security measures, shutting down your network will most certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in! While impractical to turn off and on the devices frequently, at least consider doing so during travel or extended periods offline. Computer disk drives have been known to suffer from power cycle wear-and-tear, but this is a secondary concern for broadband modems and routers.
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