How do I protect my Wi-Fi Connection to the Internet?
There are several ways to protect your modem/router which allows you to connect your computers, printers, etc. wirelessly at home or the office.
Most people think they are protected by their Internet Service provider. Not so! It is up to you to adjust your setting on your connection to secure your service.
1.- Secure your Internet access point through your administration interface. You can access your wireless router by knowing the IP address after you have it installed or bring it home. Your Internet Service provider has this information and it should be in your router manual. Type it into your address bar of your browser. I should look like: 125.12.145.18 and you need the password to make changes. Ask your Internet Service provider for help in configuring the router/modem they supplied since that is their job to make you happy:)
2.- The default passwords of most standard devices are well known to most hackers. So, when you set up your modem/router through the web interface, change the default password and write it down somewhere safe.
3.- Stop broadcasting your SSID which your wireless router continuously transmits your Service Set Identifier. While this is useful in an office where many people are going to connect to your network, at home this is certainly not needed. Turn SSID transmission off as soon as you can. Wireless LAN "sniffers" will still be able to detect your network, but other than that, your network will mostly be shrouded from outsiders.
4.- Use MAC address filtering: Turn on MAC address filtering on your wireless router configuration utility. By doing so, you can add the MAC addresses of all of your networking devices to the address pool of the router. This way, no one outside your home network will be able to access your network.
5.-
Reduce the power of transmission: Reduce the power of your wireless transmitter to such a degree that the signal does not reach outside your home. This will keep most outsiders at bay.
6.- Disable remote administration tool: Your remote administration utility is seldom used. So, keeping it on exposes your network to outsiders such as drive-by pharmers. Turn it off to enhance your network security.
Instructional: To access and set your password to protect your Internet Router provided by your ISP.
1.- To access your router: Click on your Start button > All Programs> Accessories > Command prompt. At the Command prompt (black screen) type in: ipconfig
2.- You will need your default gateway number shown in this sample- IPn4 Address 192.168.3.14
3.- Next, open your Internet Explorer browser. In the address bar, type in the IPn4 address and press return. It should ask for a user name & password. The most common being before you re-set them- username: admin password: admin
Depending on the type of router, you have further information is available here.
If it does not work, check your router's hand book or call your service provider to ask them to walk you though the steps (that's what they get paid for- call in the late evening)
Remote Use- Should you be accessing your home network from work with remote software this feature needs to be turned on though can be password protected.
Your Internet Service provider, computer vender or Internet Security software vender may ask permission to remotely access your computer to fix problems which speeds repair. They should ask you to place a small program on your computer to help them troubleshoot your problem.
Again, do not hesitate to contact the supplier of your Internet service until you are satisfied your connections are safe. Most Internet security software provided by these companies are cut down versions of the good stuff and do not protect when you are not on the Internet.
The consequences of not securing your wi-fi connection to the Internet or other devices in your home are:
1.- Intruders will be able to use and abuse the connection you are paying for.
2.- It is quite possible, they will be able to help themselves your confidential information, steal valuable Internet service or pose as you on the Internet. Not good.
3.- The same dangers apply to your Internet use in airports- coffee shop or other Public hot spots.
