Often times, when people create home networks they rush through the installation process in excitement and forget many essential steps to keep their networks safe, secure and long-lasting. Here are a few wireless network security tips that should give you peace of mind.
Wireless Network Security Tips
Create a password for your wireless network. Without a password, the network is open to anyone, which means anyone with wifi can easily connect to your network. Other users on your network will slow down your network speed and make you susceptible to threats from hackers. Hackers can steal personal information (both financial and virtual), steal your identity, plant a virus on your network or create other problems that may be beyond your expertise to detect or fix.
There may be a password option that comes with the installation of your wireless network. Make sure to create your own password, as many hackers are aware of the predetermined passwords.
Make sure the password you choose is strong and hard to hack. While you don’t want your password to be easy to hack, be sure your password is something you will be able to remember! Use something complex and long that has meaning to you only. Don’t use a password that can be found in your wallet or other papers. The idea is to making it virtually impossible for people to guess. Use numbers, upper case letters, and even other symbols. This will ensure security.
Make sure your SSID is hidden. A hidden SSID will eliminate the risk that hackers will even see that you have a wireless network.
Strengthen your wireless encryption. There are actually several free tools on the web that can break through the WEP encryption. There is more than one encryption base to choose from. Currently, WPA is the strongest encryption base for wireless networks. Using WPA is preferred for its strength. Depending on how secure you want to be, there are also secondary layers of encryption you can install.
Shut down the wireless network and router when not in use. Not only will this decrease the time that your network is open for threat, but it will also help preserve the life and longevity of your wireless router.
Additional Help
While these wireless security network tips make it possible for you to install your own network without help, you may wish to call for professional assistance due to lack of time or other reasons. In that case, get in touch with TalkLocal. Within minutes you will be in touch with professionals who can assist you with your wireless network security when you need it.
