As evident from the name, a wireless network is a computer network in which the nodes are connected without wires. Wireless networks are configured with remote information transmission system that enables transmission of data through electromagnetic waves. There are several types of wire less networks including wireless personal area networks (WPAN), wire less local area network (WLAN), wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), and wire less wide area network (WAN). Irrespective of the type of wireless network you are using, it is important to ensure that it is secure. A secure wire less network is one that prohibits unauthorized users from tapping into your network.
An un-secure wireless network on the other hand is one in which anyone can access personal information on your computer, see the websites you are browsing and upload viruses and mal-ware on your network just because you did not take the time or make the effort to secure your wire less network. Contrary to popular belief, securing a wire less network is really easy. Following are some easy steps for securing your wire less network;
• Set an administrator password on your router and learn to change it either from the user manual or the company’s website.
• Service Set Identifier (popularly referred to as the SSID) is the name of a wireless network. All devices connected to a wireless network must have the same SSID. Do not set your router’s SSID to default because it will make it difficult for you to differentiate your wire less network from others using the same router as yours (and the default SSID). Another disadvantage of using a router’s default SSID is that because other users will be using your bandwidth, you will experience much slower speed.
• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) is a program developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to ensure that users are complying to wire less security standards. Unless you are using at least WPA2, it very easy for any hacker to gain access to information being transmitted between your router and computer. It is a good idea to upgrade your router in case it does not offer WPA2 encryption.
• Experts recommend using the GRC Passwords Page to generate a pre-shared key that is at least sixty three characters long. As with passwords, your pre-shared key should have random numbers, alphabets and characters. Since you do not have to remember your pre-shared key and will be prompted for it on the router and computer once, make it as hard to guess as possible. However, do not forget to save it in a text file on your computer or write it down because you will need it for adding other computers to your wire less network!
• Make sure to disable the SSID broadcast once the router and wireless network have been configured. This will stop random people from being tempted to tap into your wireless network.
• It is a good idea to keep updating your wireless router’s firmware from time to time since it will help secure your wireless network.
Tags: contrary to popular belief, metropolitan area network, personal area networks, wireless personal area, wireless personal area networks