Wireless Networking Security - How to Secure Your Wireless Network

 

You should have a good understanding  Fortinet España  of the operation of wireless networks if you've read this series of articles. You can now use the knowledge you have gained and set up a secure wireless network in your small office or home.

You have three steps to follow when you start the process of protecting your wireless network.

All default settings must be removed from all wireless network devices

Secure encryption enabled

Unauthorized users should not use the network door.

This is a guideline for what you should do. It is not a complete list of instructions. There are many network products available on the market. Each manufacturer has their own set of instructions and steps to follow to ensure a secure product setup. Each product is different and may have unique settings. You can get the best throughput and security possible from your wireless network if you follow my steps. Next, you should read the manual of the manufacturer for the product that you have chosen.

Eliminate the defaults

It's amazing how many users create wireless networks that open a window to their computers and leave the default settings. It's like installing the most expensive deadbolt you can afford on your front door and not closing it.

You will need to at least change the service set ID (SSID), administrator name, and admin password. These settings should not be left as default. Keep your front door open. These changes will need to be replicated on all remote devices. I recommend that you consider what values you would like to use before you begin and then implement them as you go. You could also leave everything as is until you test the network, turn-up and then shut down the computer to make the changes. You can do whatever you want, it doesn't matter what time you do it.

Next, you need to make sure that all your devices are protected at the same time. WPA is an acceptable alternative. If WPA2 is not possible, you should go for it. I recommend that you upgrade any wireless hardware that prevents you from using WPA2 if WEP is your only security option. These pieces can be replaced at a minimal cost, but the risk of being exposed to a low-security network is high.