5 Ways to Secure Your Wireless Network

1. Setup a network security key,
2. Use a secure password,
3. Enable WPA or WEP encryption,
4. Enable MAC address filtering, and
5. Disable SSID broadcasting

If you need any assistance in securing your wireless network, feel free to visit YourComputerHelpDesk.com, and we’ll be happy to help you!

Have a great day,

Buddy

If you’re looking to protect your wireless network in such a way that your network doesn’t appear to be available at all, this is for you…

To protect your wireless network from unauthorized access you may disable SSID broadcasting, this will hide the fact that you even have a wireless network.

The SSID (Service Set Identifier or Network Name) is required if you want to connect to your network. By disabling the SSID broadcasting, you will ensure that your SSID will not be detected whenever someone does a scan for wireless networks in your area.

If you need assistance with this, feel free to visit YourComputerHelpDesk.com, and we’ll be glad to help you.

Have a great day,

Buddy

PS – If you’re a reader, be sure to check out the “Guide to Wireless Network Security” to learn even more!

If you’re really concerned about your wireless network, there’s a way to bump up the security even further…

When you begin to set up your wireless router and Wi-Fi access points, you should notice a feature called, “MAC Address Filtering.”

MAC, in this instance, doesn’t mean Apple Computer, it’s the “Media Access Control” address, and every network adapter has a unique MAC address.

This feature is usually turned off by default. In order to improve your wireless security, it is recommended that you enable MAC address filtering.

Without enabling MAC address filtering, anybody can join your network if they know the network name (also called SSID). When MAC address filtering is enabled, the router performs another check to see who is trying to access the network.

Once MAC address filtering is enabled, if someone tries to join your wireless network it compares the MAC address of that person with the administrator’s list of who is allowed on the network.

Basically, you’re telling your wireless router only to allow certain computers have matching MAC addresses.

If you need help enabling your MAC address filters, visit YourComputerHelpDesk.com, we’re here to help you!

Have a great day,

Buddy

PS – If you’re a reader, be sure to check out the “Guide to Wireless Network Security” to learn even more!

Today, there are two wireless network security encryptions that are available.

Each of the following encryptions will create a secure wireless network and will protect both your computer and your connection from being invaded.

WPA - The WPA encryption (Wi-Fi Protected Access, WPA, or WPA2) is stronger and more secure than WEP and it is also easier to use.

WEP - The WEP encryption (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is part of the first generation of wireless networking equipment and is definitely weaker than the WPA encryption, but will still be sufficient for home use.

Be sure to assure you have enabled at least WEP encryption, however, WPA is best.

Have a good day!

Buddy

PS – If you’re a reader, be sure to check out the “Guide to Wireless Network Security” to learn even more!

In order for people to connect to your wireless network, it’s incredibly important to assure you’ve setup a password for computers to connect to it.

In terms of a password…

Don’t use ‘password’ for your password!

It is important to create a security password that is unique.

Below is a list of common passwords that SHOULD NOT be used for your wireless network:

• password
• 123456
• qwerty
• abc123
• letmein
• (your first name)
• (your username)

When creating a password for your wireless network remember the following objectives:

• Make your password lengthy: An ideal password should be between 8 and 14 characters long.
• Combine lowercase letters, capital letters, numbers, and symbols is possible.
• Use words and phrases that are easy for your to remember but difficult for others to guess.
• Write your username and password on paper and keep it in a file folder or save your information in an excel spreadsheet.

If you need help setting up your wireless network, or choosing a password, let us know by visiting www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com.

Have a good day,

Buddy

PS – If you’re a reader, be sure to check out the “Guide to Wireless Network Security” to learn even more!