10 Tips for Wifi Security In Your Home Wireless Network

If your network is wireless, think about these tricks for WiFi security and possess some part of mind. Your wireless network opens up lot of different possible attacks over a wired network. Don't worry though, I will give you the ideas which will secure your wireless network.

Security is a "system" that is certainly why you should consider combining these tips mentioned on this page instead of picking out the easiest someone to implement.

Lets start with three basic "no-brainers" you need to do when you initially switch on your wireless router:

1.) Change the Default Administrator Username and Password

The main device in your network can be your access point or router. This device provides a local site which you could login and configure the device. All manufacturers have similar username and passwords. Hackers know this and definately will attempt these basic username and passwords in your router. Some common usernames are: admin and administrator. Some passwords: (blank password), password and admin.

2.) Change your SSID

The SSID will be the wireless network name of the access point or router. Most manufacturers ship these devices with the exact same SSID. This network name is seen by anyone in range and provide away the make in the router. When you alter the SSID, don't change it to anything that can give you away to your friends. In other words, avoid your last name like "Smith's Network".

3.) Use a strong Encryption

Don't use WEP!!! Anyone can download a fairly easy program and crack your WEP encryption key in minutes. Instead use WPA or WPA2. This type of encryption will secure your wireless network greater than WEP. As soon as a stronger encryption method is available, you must switch the signal from that standard.

After those 3 basic tips, I recommend these next tricks for your WiFi security...

4.) Don't broadcast your SSID

If you believe that your particular Wi-Fi network will likely be a target to hackers, then I recommend you configure your router not to broadcast your SSID. This means you will pre-configure your wireless devices with all the SSID and Network Key and then configure the setting on your router. When someone attempts to find a wireless network in range, yours will just not appear. Your SSID network name will be on "stealth mode". Some sophisticated hackers can still determine the hidden SSID. But this tip along with all the others I mention in this post will definitely help your present WiFi security.

5.) Enable MAC Address filtering

This feature in a router will assist you to configure the MAC addresses of devices you want to allow usage of your network. With this feature switched on, you won't be considered a target of amateur hackers who are seeking the simple challenge. Think from the thief that steals through the car containing of the question down instead in the car alongside it while using unlocked door. The thief doesn't be aware of door is unlocked, he just sees the opportunity with the window being down.

6.) Don't over-share your wireless

The more laptops and desktops hook up to your wireless access point then your slower your Internet speed. Your Internet connection speed is split between all computers. So this means if other people and unauthorized users use your wireless Internet without your knowledge, you will then be calling your ISP for several slow speed issues.

7.) Change your passwords regularly.

Change your WPA passphrase and computer login credentials about every three months. This makes it more difficult for anyone who is trying a malicious attack on your own network and computers. If a hacker already has use of your network or computer, your new credentials stop their access.

8.) Always have an antivirus and firewall running.

Your computers antivirus can detect and block any malicious malware and viruses that will allow use of a hacker remotely. These programs can work as back doors and rootkits which give remote access to a hacker without your knowledge. Windows XP, Vista and 7 all bring their particular firewall. Also turn on the built-in firewall feature on your own router to close any intruders before they reach your actual computer.

9.) Turn DHCP off.

Your router is employing DHCP to dynamically assign the IP settings to all or any devices on your network. This is often a great feature which could save time from assigning plenty of IPs manually in the big network. However, at home network there aren't that many devices and you can easily turn DHCP off and configure all of your network devices with static IPs. This makes sure that hackers can't just connect and grab your network's IP settings. This presents another hoop to get a hacker to jump over and may likely make hacker stopping and moving onto another "easier" network to break into.

10.) Check your routers DHCP lease pool.

If DHCP is left on, you should check a table in the router's interface that shows what products are currently linked to it. This table usually shows laptop computer name, IP address and MAC address of the product that connected. You can quickly recognize a tool which includes unauthorized access and do something by switching your security settings and encryption method.

Like I said earlier, make an effort to consider this important concept "Security is often a system". A lot of different features combine efforts to create one secure system and also this article on WiFi security will allow you to secure your wireless network.