WiFi Security in Thirty Seconds

WiFi security is something that’s really important, and really easy to setup.

I’m always surprised when I see vulnerable wireless points; and am shocked at the perils of insecure wireless networks.

Use your imagination or (Google here) to learn more about what I’m talking about.

Anyway, here are six fundamentals of WiFi security; if you adapt these easy habits your WiFi connection will be much more secure.

Compound Fundamentals of Home WiFi Security

Here are the compound fundamentals of what constitutes efficient WiFi security.

This logic is congruent with the majority of Routers and wireless enabled devices.

1. Change SSID Name – The SSID is basically the name of your wireless network. The default settings usually have some type of generic SSID name like the vendor name or router model. I have a good chuckle at all of the custom SSID’s (in use) I see on a daily basis. Changing the name of your SSID is the first line of WIFI defense, (disabling broadcast is also important).
2. Encryption (WPA-2 AES-256) – All of your wireless enabled devices should be encrypted using WPA-2 encryption, and not WEP. WEP is easy to bypass, and you can find credible citation just by using Google. (Click here to see the unfortunate truth of WEP vulnerability; WPA-2 is much safer).
3. Device Conditioning (MAC Filtering) – All of your wireless devices should be setup so as to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing the network. MAC Filter tables are used to determine which physical devices can access a network based upon their unique MAC address. (Configured in Router or device firmware).
4. Mode Redundancy Reductions – If you have a 802.11G network, disable all other bands. Broadcast mode redundancy can potentially increase risk of unauthorized users access to your network.
5. Account Management – Make sure to change the default username and password on your routing devices to ensure protection against account cracking and a host of other threat vectors.
6. Turn Off Broadcasting – One major problem with WiFi networks is that they’re always on and often broadcast beyond their intended boundaries. This introduces inherit risks because you’re potentially always broadcasting sensitive information. One easy way to reduce your visibility is to turn off SSID Broadcasting. This can be managed in either the router firmware or device settings. (Remember that even a hidden SSID can be detected, but still turn off broadcasting as an extra layer of hardening).

Securing your WiFi Connection Executive Summary

Remember that no network is totally secure. For evidence of this all you have to do is follow a few tech security blogs. Just remember, that each additional step you take makes your wireless networks more secure. Each of these 6 WIFI security tips are mere “layers” of security.

Securing your WiFi is important, and as I’ve demonstrated very easy methods and a process to ensure your devices are at least moderately secure.

Never forget the risks of an insecure wireless network and take action by taking the 10 minutes required to secure your network.

Or, you can place the security confidentiality and integrity of your data into the hands of total strangers.