Securing your Wi-Fi Signal and Network

 

Wi-Fi access has come to be seen as a universal right by many. With so many of us using Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices these days, it is easy to understand why so many see it as a right. But even if that is true, does someone have the right to access YOUR Wi-Fi? The answer is no. For your own security, you need to keep the moochers (and maybe hackers) away, because data passing between a computer and a router is broadcast 360 degrees up to the length of a football field!

 

Here are a few simple, yet important steps to enhance your Wi-Fi security:

 

• Choose a strong encryption method to lock down your router
  •   The oldest, weakest and easiest to crack within minutes is WEP Encryption
  •   Use WAP2 with the PSK (personal) option

 

• Secure your Wi-Fi signal with a strong password using one or more of these recommended guidelines. This is the password to access your network, not to administer your router.
  • Use an acronym from a familiar piece of information or a favorite hobby or sport
  • Make it long, at least 10 (and preferable over 12) characters.
  • Substitute numbers, symbols, and misspellings for letters or words in an easy-to-remember phrase, such as “The Giants Win Again!” a la “Th3G1ant$W1nAga1n!”

 

• Secure your Wi-Fi router with a strong username and password. These are the log in credentials to administer your router, not to access your Wi-Fi signal.
  • If your internet service provider set up your router, definitely change it because it is likely set to default settings. Also be sure that Router passwords are not affixed to the hardware router on a sticker or any other way.
  • Create or update a new/separate password here using the guidelines noted above.
  • This password will not be used regularly, so make it a strong and touch

 

• Use a firewall
  • Enable (Do not disable!) the firewall built into your router.
    • This is key if you do not have a separate hardware firewall.
    • Many fear this will slow down their network and that is not the case.
  • Install a hardware firewall
    • A hardware firewall contains customized hardware and software that provides an extra level of protection across a network.

 

•  There is no single panacea for Wi-Fi security
  • Do not fall prey to the belief that all you have to do ( and none of the above) is hide your router’s SSID (service set identifier)
    • Disabling broadcasting of the SSID makes your Wi-Fi signal invisible, somewhat.
    • Even if disabled, SSID is included in all kinds of traffic from your network and so can easily be found if the sleuth or moocher is hungry enough.

 

For help with securing your Wi-Fi network and routers, or anything else related to data and network security, the professionals at IT Radix would be happy to meet and discuss it with you anytime. Reach out for us at 973-298-6908!