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Posted 7 years ago 2017-12-12#1
We have WiFi anywhere these days. Some of us can not live without it. We connect our phones with WiFi and shop online, log in our blog... But have you even thought of th security? One of the serious concerns of using WiFi is make sure the router and wireless network are safe. But we all know that when it comes to technology, there is no guarantee ofr 100 percent secure. As long as you send any data via WiFi, you may have potentially exposed it to hackers, and once you've set up a router, WiFi signal leeches are always possible.
Today, I`m gonna teach you guys how to make your WiFi safe. Just follow these 5 steps.
Step 1: WPA2
I think it's common networking knowledge that there really is no excuse to not use any encryption method other than WPA2. In all but the oldest wireless devices, just about all modern wireless clients support it.
Step 2: Change Default Passwords
You never want to set up a new router and leave the default password of either the SSIDs (if the router came preconfigured) or to the admin account, which gives access to the router's management software. In fact, I like to change the Guest Account default settings, if I enabled Guest Account and the router has guest credentials set up. Changing the admin password, is usually found in the "System" or "Administration" areas of the interface. Changing the SSID's passphrase is typically under "Wireless Settings."
Step 3: Change the Default SSID name
I can't tell you how many times, I'll look at wireless networks in range and see SSIDs such as "NETGEAR095," essentially, SSIDs that are preconfigured and easily give away the make of the router. When I see this, I also think perhaps the person who set up the router left the default admin credentials to the router's software. Someone with strong intent could access an unsecured network, and with a quick web search, discover the default password to the admin account just by knowing the type of router. Give your network a name that does not reveal the make or model of your router.
Step 4: Device Lists
Most routers have a device list that shows the wired and wireless clients currently connected. It pays to periodically take a look and familiarize yourself with your router's device listing. Years ago, you would only see a list showing a connected client's IP address, MAC address, and maybe the hostname. Newer router interfaces are getting fancier. The most recent interface shows all of this information plus an icon of the type of client that's connected. I've met with vendors who are also releasing cloud and mobile apps that let you remotely see what or who is connected to your network and alert you when a device connects.
Step 5: Turn off Guest Networking
I've never tested a router out-of-the box that had guest networking on by default. If I did—that router would not get a very high review rating. Guest networking allows others to access your routers, and by default it's usually unsecure access (although you can typically add security). That said, if you inherited your router from someone else, it pays to make sure guest networking is turned off (or at least secured) when you set the router up for your use.