How to Secure Your Wireless Network

By Chris Hecker

If you have an unsecured wireless network, it is easy for a hacker to see exactly what you are doing on your Network. They could install malicious software, such as a keystroke logger, onto your computer, allowing the criminal to see every keystroke that you make. This could ultimately lead you to becoming a victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA. People could also steal your bandwidth, slowing down your Internet connection. They could even use so much of your bandwidth, downloading huge files such as movies, that your ISP charges you for the extra bandwidth used on your account. Someone could even use your Internet connection for illegal activity. Scared yet?!? Here are some steps to take to secure your wireless internet connection.

The first line of defense for your Wi-Fi network is encryption. Encryption encodes the data transmitted between your computer and wireless router. Most routers ship with encryption turned off. Unfortunately, many people don't turn it on, leaving themselves totally exposed. If you haven't already, enable your router's encryption, using the strongest form supported by your Network. The Wireless Encryption Protocol(WEP) is far less secure than the Wireless Protected Access(WPA) protocol and the more recent WPA2. If at all possible, use WPA or WPA2, since WEP is easy for a hacker to crack. The keys used by WPA and WPA2 change dynamically, making them nearly impossible to hack. It is important that you use a strong password for your encryption key, using a combination of letters and numbers of fourteen characters or more.

If you are one of those that has an older router that only supports WEP, you`ll be most secure using 128-bit WEP keys. However, be sure to check the manufacturer`s web site for a firmware update that will add WPA support. If you have an older router, you should be happy to know that most older equipment can be upgraded to be WPA compatible.

It is crucial that you change the default network name and password on your router. This is because the default network name and password are easily obtained. Most devices use a weak default password like "password" or the manufacture's name. Believe it or not, some don't have any default password at all! Just make sure that you don't change the default network password to something that is easily guessed, such as your first and last name. Doing so will make it much harder for hackers to break into your router, taking control of its settings.

The easiest step you can take to help secure your Wi-Fi Internet connection is to simply turn off your router when not in use. Especially when you are away for an extended period of time, such as going on a vacation. If your router is turned off, this definitely will ensure that hackers don't break into your Network.

Enable the firewall in your router. For added protection be sure to have firewall software installed on your computer. There are free firewalls available for download on the Internet. The firewall built into your router prevents hackers on the Internet from getting access to your PC. Also, have anti-virus software installed on your computer. AVG Anti-virus is free for personal use. It is critical that you keep your anti-virus software up to date. Your anti-virus software is only as good as the last update. There are countless viruses and other malware created everyday. Internet security companies are constantly playing a cat and mouse game to keep up with the latest viruses and other malicious software.

Have anti-spyware software installed on your computer. There is free anti-spyware software available for download on the Internet. Maximum PC actually suggests that you have Spybot Search and Destroy and two other anti-spyware programs installed on your PC. Windows Vista actually includes Windows Defender, an anti-spyware program.

Finally, make sure that your operating system is up to date and that you have downloaded the latest security patches.

Following these steps can drastically increase your wireless Wi-Fi internet security and privacy.

Chris Hecker is the webmaster of Internet Security 101. This site contains free info, links, articles, and tutorials on Internet security and privacy.

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