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	How to make Wireless Network Secure

Wireless network is comparatively cheap to install, simple to setup and configure. To make it safer following steps will be useful.

Alter the default password

Nearly all wireless devices can be handled through a web interface which is accessible by just typing its IP address in a browser's address field. Though the admin interface is protected by password, the default password given by the manufacturer is always the same. So the manual at the manufacturer's website is accessible to anybody to obtain the default password. Consequently, an intruder can penetrate our system.

Immobilize SSID Broadcast

The SSID stands for the wireless network. In order to log on to a wireless network, its name must be known. By default, wireless gateways easily air the SSID to be grabbed by any wireless network device for quick configuration. Masking the SSID by disallowing SSID broadcast will make it lot tougher for an intruder.

Change the SSID

Stopping SSID broadcast is not much useful if the SSID is set at the manufacturer's default, which can be easily found in the manual as the default admin password. Alter the SSID to a custom phrase.

Allow encryption

Wireless devices aid the wireless encryption protocol (WEP) with either 64-bit or 128-bit encryption. 64-bit encryption has been found to be very weak and easy to breach, 128-bit encryption is advisable. Encryption functions by feeding the encryption key on the wireless gateway and on the PC with the wireless card. All sent data is encrypted for the transmission between the two devices. If there is a mismatch in encryption key, the wireless gateway will not send details.

Immobilize DHCP

Most gateway devices have enabled DHCP by default. It means any new host on a network that announces its presence and airs a request for an IP address and TCP/IP configuration detail will be automatically sent this information without inquiring. This is very expedient for the authorized user as it means actual plug-and-play (without the "plug" part as it's wireless). But, it also makes it very simple for the interloper to plug into a wireless network.

Though it is an inconvenient and needs higher maintenance from the valid user, immobilizing DHCP and physically assigning static IP addresses creates another obstacle for the trespasser.

Modify the default subnet

Stopping DHCP is futile if the subnet is set as the manufacturer's default, which can be easily found in the manual. Most devices set the common default subnet at 192.168.0.0 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Change the subnet.

Utilize MAC address filtering

Every network adapter has a distinct hardware address known as MAC address. The first half of the MAC address detects the producer of the network adapter, the next half detects the network adapter. This hardware address is distinct for every network card. Most wireless gateway devices provide MAC address filtering. It works as follows: the authorized user prepares a list and keys just the MAC addresses for network cards he knows which he wants to enable access the wireless network. Only machines with a legitimate MAC address can connect to the network.

Follow safe computing

Although the network is private and masked by a gateway device with a firewall, some sensible precautions still should be used, like:

Use secure passwords for all user accounts.

Change passwords frequently.

Guard any network shares with passwords.

Ask for a user login for all computers, deactivate the guest account.

Mount updated Antivirus software on all computers.

Mount software firewalls on all computers .

Check log files like event logs, firewall logs, antivirus logs, etc. for strange activity

Summary

As mentioned in this article, there are various very plausible reasons for ensuring the security of all wireless networks. It is very simple to do so with little time. Spend some minutes reading the manual and some minutes altering settings to avoid a lot of trouble later on.

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