Do you have a wireless router or wireless access point (WAP) set up in your home or business? If so, is it secured and locked down from hackers and snooping eyes?
There are three basic steps you can take to secure your wireless network. I recommend performing all of them.
By default, most routers have no security set up right out of the box. This means that your neighbors or anyone close enough to pick up your wireless signal can connect to your wireless network without you knowing it.
They can freely browse the web and without the proper security in place, your router and any network device connected to it (computer, cell phone, etc.) becomes visible to anyone that can see your wireless signal.
From that point on, it is easy for a hacker to connect to your computer and see your files or steal and delete your data. If you’re not comfortable making changes to your network, then have a trusted IT company such as Technology Experts to make those changes for you.
If you are computer savvy then follow these three basic steps to make your network more secure.
Change Your SSID
Your SSID (Service Set Identifier, which is simply the name of your wireless network) is what you connect to for Internet access.
You want to change the SSID from open security to “WPA2.” This is the most secure setting currently available on most routers. You’ll also need to assign a security key commonly called a pass phrase.
Do not use something common such as your name, child’s name, or any other name that is associated with you. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and characters.
Don’t Broadcast Your SSID
Who needs to know the name of your wireless network? No one other than you. Not your neighbor next door or that guy driving down the road trying to connect to a non-secured network.
There is a setting in your router to disable the broadcast of your SSID. Again, if you are unsure, then have a trusted IT company perform these changes.
Change Your Router’s Login Password
The last thing to do is change your router’s management interface username and password.
All routers come with a default user name and password that is easily available on-line for anyone to find.
If you don’t change it, a hacker who gained access to your wireless network (or someone you allowed access), can simply log into your router and play havoc with your network. Be sure to change the password.
Following these three basic steps will make your wireless network much more secure from hackers and from intruders accessing your internet connection.
While a very skillful hacker can still get around even this security, they won’t bother trying.
There are too many unsecured networks out there, so hackers would not waste their time trying to break a network that is configured securely.
Remember, if you need assistance or would like a great IT company to perform these changes, give Tech Experts a call at (734) 457-5000.