Wireless security has become more important than ever. While there used to be few people who used wireless routers or wireless Internet access, the amount of wireless Internet access has climbed exponentially recently. Ensuring that routers are secured and that hackers/crackers cannot access your connection can protect you from having your personal security compromised and being accused of crimes.

Encryption

Whether you are the average joe or a sophisticated hacker, one must ensure that they have some form of encryption on their router.  The most common types of encryption include WEP, WPA, WPA-2.  While the other formats were fine for earlier routers and times, every router should now be protected by a WPA-2 level encryption.  This is a much more secure encryption format and will make it more difficult for anyone to crack your password for the router.

Password

Many individuals forget to set a secure password for their router.  Setting a secure encryption level but not setting a secure password will ensure that your wireless security flies out the window.  A password should be at least 14 characters, alpha numeric with symbols included.  The more confusing and difficult you can make your password, the better it will become.  However, do not forget to write down your password so that you can continue to access the router in the future.

SSID

Broadcasting the routers SSID may encourage individuals to try to gain access to your Internet connection.  There is no need to broadcast the SSID of your router.  Simply write down the SSID and turn off the public broadcasting of your SSID.  Not only will your connection remain secure, individuals will be able to connect without having the constant search for the correct connection.

Mac Address Filtering

Mac address filtering will ensure that your wireless security is protected for years down the road.  Each and every device that connects to the Internet has its own MAC address.  This is a device specific address that will allow the device to be identified.  Connecting to your router’s configuration settings and changing the MAC address will ensure that you can block out all other devices and only allow the computers that you wish to connect to the network.  This can come in handy if your neighbors decide that they want to download the entire library of movies over your Internet connection.

Disable Wireless Access to Your Router

Many individuals attempt to gain access to a router through web access and change the settings within the router.   Disabling wireless access to the router will help to ensure that your wireless security will remain secure for years down the road.  Administrators can still change settings and other tools by using the Ethernet cable to connect to the router and change settings.

Change the Default Router Password

Saving the same default router password such as “password” or “default” or “administrator” is a great way for users to change the settings you worked hard to create.  Change the password to a different password than your encryption password.  This will ensure that your connection remains secure and that potential trouble makers do not have access to the tools that they need to wreak their havoc.

Turn on the Firewall

Many routers may have a firewall to keep out some of the unwanted traffic.  While you do not have to turn on the firewall, it may help to keep out some of the traffic that does not belong.  Think about whether you want to turn the firewall on or off before doing so.  That way you can be successful at keeping your wireless security as strong as possible.

Update Your Computer

Computers that are connected to the network need to be patched and repaired to the best of an individuals ability.  Not having a protected computer can allow for many different types of files to access your system.  There is no reason to have an infection of any type reach your computer.  Plan ahead and allow for your computer to be secured by installing an anti-virus program as well as updating with any patches that are released for your operating system.

Have as Few Routers as Possible

Some individuals find it fun or amusing to install extra routers for better signal strength or simply to be useful to them.  However, unless these routers are secured and patched as well as properly passworded/encrypted they will be useless in helping your Internet/wireless security situation.  Make sure that any extra access points are following the rules that should be followed with any router on a wireless network.

Turn off DHCP

DHCP is a process that can ruin your wireless security.  Turn it off as soon as possible.  Assigning a static IP address to each computer within the network is faster than having to secure the network again due to some stupid mistake that was made.  DHCP is simply not a good idea at this modern time.

Whether you already have implemented some of these ideas or none of these ideas, secure your Internet today.  There is no reason that you should not have a secured connection as soon as possible!  A secured connection for tomorrow’s wireless security will ensure that your personal information is secured and that your Internet is only used for what you want to use it for.