• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TheAppTimes

App Reviews, Tutorials, & Gadget News Hub

  • Gadgets
  • How To
  • Apps
  • Software
  • IT
  • Guides
  • Gaming
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home » How To » Tips to Keep Your Wireless Network Secure

Tips to Keep Your Wireless Network Secure

January 18, 2013

Also known as Wi-Fi, wireless networks, as the name suggests, allow the user to access Internet without the need of wires. If your home or office has a wireless network connection, you can access the Internet from anywhere within the wireless frequency range. To have access to the Internet, wireless networks rely solely on radio waves instead of wires. A wireless gateway or access point is used as a transmitter and is connected to the Internet. This creates a hotspot where the Internet connectivity is transmitted through the radio waves. Hotspots use identifying information called SSID or Service Set Identifier to allow network devices such as the computers or laptops to locate them. Wireless computers and other devices that have the permission to access the wireless network can take advantage of the Internet connection. Most wireless devices can automatically identify a wireless network in an area, while others require locating or manually typing in information like the SSID. In this post we take a look at how to keep your wireless network secure.

Security Threats Associated with Wireless Networks

With the widespread use of wireless networks, numerous potential network intruders with malicious intents have been lurking within the range of a home or office wireless networks. The freedom from tangled wires can be exciting, but it comes with a price. Leaving your wireless network open or unsecured can put your data and yourself at great risks. With the use of the widely available hacking software, anyone that is within the powerful range of your wireless network can passively scan all the information that is flowing in your network.

If someone uses your unsecured wireless network to download a file from an illegal website, it is you who will end up in court, and the fact that you do not know how to secure your wireless network is not a valid defence. In some cases, network intruders may be able to view your shared files from your computer such as bank statements, social security number, address, phone number, and more. With an unsecured wireless network connection, you might be setting up yourself for an identity stealing.

ALSO READ:  DRIVE.NET - Social Network Sharing Everything about Cars

How to Keep your Wireless Network Secure

How to Keep your Wireless Network Secure

Secure your wireless access point

Most devices that are used as wireless access points such as routers come with a pre-configured default password, which can be found easily online. Hence, they do not provide protection to your network. To secure your wireless access point, change the default password.

Add restrictions to your network access

All network devices have a unique MAC or Media Access Control address. You can either restrict or allow a certain device to access your network by filtering its MAC address. This feature in your wireless access point also allows you to register authorized users to have access to your wireless network. Some network devices even allow you to set up an authentication process before a user can access your network.

Encrypt all data on your network

Whether you are using WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) to secure your wireless network, it is essential to encrypt such data to prevent anyone from seeing it and hence, gain access to your network.

Other ways to keep your wireless network safe include hiding or not broadcasting your SSID, installing firewall, and maintaining anti-virus software.

Content on behalf of AxonIT, IT services provider.

Tweet
Share1
WhatsApp
Pin1
Buffer
2 Shares

Filed Under: How To Tagged With: network

You May Also Like

10 Tips to Increase Network Speed
networktoolbox fi
NetworkToolbox – Easy Network Management from Your iOS Device
drive.net screenshot
DRIVE.NET – Social Network Sharing Everything about Cars

About Community Contributions

This post is written by a community contributor. You can find details about the writer within the article content, either at the top of the post or towards the end.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. matt says

    January 28, 2013 at 12:24 am

    Some good points raised here! I used this guide when securing my wireless network. It covers the same item you have but in more detail: http://www.wifinetworksecurity.co.uk

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hottest New Gadgets!

Starfield Streaming gear - TAT

Elgato Unveils Limited-Edition Starfield Streaming Gear

Samsung PRO Ultimate Memory Cards - TAT

The New Samsung PRO Ultimate Memory Cards Offer Unmatched Speed for Professionals

Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Astro Edition - TAT

Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Astro Edition Launched as a Tribute to MENA’s Innovators and Explorers

Satechi Dual Dock Stand - TAT

Satechi Dual Dock Stand is a Great Mac Companion for Your Workstation

Nomad 130W USB-C Power Adapter - TAT

Nomad 130W USB-C Power Adapter: Robust Multi-Device Charging Solution

Popular Tags

android android apps android games android how to apple casino games chrome extensions excel excel how to facebook fitness wearable gadgets gaming gmail google ios apps ios games ios how to ios tips ipad iphone kids apps learn excel management microsoft new releases outlook how to photo apps powerpoint how to productivity Samsung security smartphone smartphones smartwatches software tablet tablets technology twitter web browsers windows 10 word how to xbox youtube

Disclosure

TheAppTimes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Starfield - TAT

Starfield: Get Ready to Experience a New Frontier in Gaming

Razer Cobra Pro - TAT

Razer Cobra Pro: A Great Gaming Mouse for Competitive Gamers

Best gaming monitors 2023 - TAT

The Best Gaming Monitors for a Truly Immersive Experience

Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Wireless Xbox Controller - TAT

Microsoft Launches the Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition Wireless Xbox Controller

Cat Adventure Game Stray - TAT

Stray: A Mysterious Cat Adventure Game Coming to Xbox on August 10, 2023

Hot on Amazon

TheAppTimes © 2023 // Runs on StudioPress

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Template Gallery