Your wireless network creates internet connection into your computer through a virtual channel. If it is unprotected, someone within the range can break into your network connection and use up your internet download allowance or hijack your signal to steal your information. In more severe scenarios, your internet account could be used to engage in wide range of cyber-crimes and malicious activities without your knowledge. So, it is extremely crucial to make sure your home or business wireless connections are protected. Here are few important measures you can take up for securing your wireless network.
Change the default SSID and admin credentials
Your software & hardware for wireless connection is assigned with a default service set identification number (SSID) as well as default admin login details that may include standard brand names. So, any malicious person with a little deliberate effort can easily crack them to access your network. Therefore, changing these credentials and creating a strong admin password is extremely crucial to secure your wireless network.
Hide your network
The access point of your wireless connection, by default, broadcast its service set identification number (SSID), exposing your network to any nearby devices. Therefore, it is recommended to turn off SSID broadcasting so you can hide your network. Entering the SSID manually is ideal whenever you intent to connect to any device.
Enforce the strongest encryption technique
Encryption converts your information or messages into scramble forms (ciphertext) that can't be easily read or understood by unauthorized personals. This will encode your transmitted data, making it quite hard to read your information even though malicious persons happen to hijack your data. Therefore, enforcing the strongest encryption technique is highly essential.
Limit the devices that can access the network
It is recommended to limit the number of devices accessing your wireless network. Every nominated computer connected to your network uses a Media Access Control (MAC) address which is a unique 12-digit identifier. To permit particular computers access to your network, access the wireless software settings of your network to add their MAC addresses.
Use up-to-date web browsing applications
Hackers usually exploit vulnerable web browsers, plugins, etc, to gain access and compromise your system. Therefore, you should make sure that all your web browsing applications are up-to-date. You should also know how to set up security settings to use them safely.