With advancements in technology, computers become smaller, faster, and more mobile. As the devices become more mobile, need to connect them to the internet without being tied to wires becomes more important. Wireless networks are found in homes, public areas, retail stores, schools, and many other places. Even in some churches wireless networks can be found. With wireless networks sending out a signal that anyone can find, how can these networks be kept safe?
Home Wireless Networks
In many homes, several different devices are connected to the network. They range from computers to phones to TVs to lighting and heating. Though turning off the wireless may be the only way to be sure no unauthorized devices connect, that is not always a practical solution.
- Change the Admin Password - Wireless routers come with a default admin and password set. This password should be changed as soon as the router is set up.
- Encrypt and password protect - One important thing to do with any network is to make sure it is encrypted. WPA2 is currently the strongest wireless encryption available. There is no reason a wireless network should not be encrypted at this level. If the wireless router is unable to support this, then it is time to upgrade to a new one. With the encryption a password or other secure handshake should be used. Below is what my encryption setting looks like.
- Hide SSID - The SSID is the name of the wireless network. Many routers have the ability to have this not broadcasted. This would mean that the device will need to know the SSID to connect.
- Restrict devices that can connect - It is also a possibility to restrict what devices are able to connect to the wireless network through MAC addresses. MAC addresses are the unique code for each network card. This is done through the Wireless router.
- Update firmware - From time to time an update to the router may be available. It is important to keep this up to date as it may fix vulnerabilities in the router.
- Monitor the network - Make sure that firewalls and other security applications are in place and up to date. Many routers will also allow you to see what devices are connected, and this should be check occasionally.
Business Networks
With businesses trying to cater to the needs of their clients and reliance on mobile devices, wireless networks are found and being installed in many locations. The business owner has a responsibility to keep sensitive data safe. This takes many steps. Several of these steps are the ones that are taken for the home networks. Additional steps taken are setting up a second wireless network separate from the business network for guest access, adding software to monitor network traffic, and other security measures.
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