Networking

How to Secure your Wireless Home Network

With the increased reliance and functionality of Wireless Local Area Networks (LANs), homes and businesses are becoming more concerned about wireless network security. A fine balance between the  need to provide end users with freedom and mobility of wireless networks without offering intruders access to the Wireless LAN or the information sent and received on the wireless network.  

Wireless Router Configuration

• Create a unique User Name and Password for your router
• Do Not use the Default passwords.  Each manufacturer uses the same default login information.
• Change the Default SSID ( Service Set Identifier)
• The SSID is a construct that allows logical separation of wireless LANs. In general, a client must be configured with the appropriate SSID to gain access to the wireless LAN. However the SSID does not provide any data-privacy functions, nor does it truly authenticate the client to the wireless access point.
• Use something easy to remember but secure enough that someone can not guess it.
• Examples:
  Last name mixed with numbers ( computer72service71 )

Disable SSID Broadcasting

The SSID is advertised in plain-text in the access point beacon messages. Although beacon messages are transparent to users, an eavesdropper can easily determine the SSID with the use of an 802.11 wireless LAN packet analyzer, like Sniffer Pro. Some access-point vendors, including Cisco and Linksys, offer the option to disable SSID broadcasts in the beacon messages. However the SSID can still be determined by sniffing the probe response frames from an access point.  The SSID is not designed or intended for use as a lone security mechanism.  It is an added layer of protection, similar to installing "The Club" on your car.  It will stop the average thief, but won't stop a determined hacker.

Enable Mandatory Encryption (WEP, WPA, etc)

• Create an alphanumeric pass phrase ( WEP key) that is different from the SSID
• Example:
• College Graduation ( 05ncat1993 )
• Set up MAC Filtering and Authentication

MAC address filtering and authentication is not specified in the 802.11 standard, but many vendors—including Cisco and Linksys—support it. MAC address authentication verifies the client's MAC address against a locally configured list of allowed addresses.. MAC authentication is used to augment the open and shared key authentications provided by 802.11, further reducing the likelihood of unauthorized devices accessing the wireless network.

Workstation Configuration

• Create a new Administrator account, and disable the default Administrator account in Windows 2000 and XP.
• Use good password security for each of your workstations
• Example:
• Use Letters, Numbers, and Special Characters
• 8 to 10 characters
• Don't write it down and leave it laying next to your computer.
• Example:
  T766_b1991
• For added security use a biometric password device, such as the APC Biopod
  Use Advanced File Security with Windows XP. 
• Don't share files and folders with the "Everyone" group.
• Create individual accounts for each internal user, and enforce password security

A & G Computer Services can professionally configure your wireless router for network security.  Our network technicians are experts in the field of Home Wireless Security, and can provide you with the functionality of a wireless network with the peace of mind knowing that your home network is secure from hackers and mischievous teenagers.  Call or email us today to learn how A & G Computer Services can use technology to secure your home wireless network. 

{Home} {Computer Support} {Network Support} {Website Development}