How to Secure Your Wireless Network or Wifi With Password

 

1. Change Default Administrator Usernames and Passwords

Most routers or access points come enabled with a default set of username/password combinations. These combinations are well documented and available online for hackers to use. If a hacker can access your device’s administrative pages they can modify the configuration and control all aspects of your device. These username/password combinations can be changed from the administrative panel.

2. Turn on WPA / WEP Encryption

All Wireless devices support some form of encryption. Encryption technology scrambles messages sent over the air and ensures that they cannot be intercepted by hackers. Several encryption technologies exist for wireless communication today. WPA is the strongest commonly available encryption technology for home devices, however, WEP can also be used.

Wifi network

3. Change the Default SSID

Access points and routers all use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers normally ship their products with the same SSID set for all routers. For example, the SSID for Netgear devices is normally “NETGEAR”. The Default SSID can be changed from the administrative panel and should be set to something unique.

4. Enable MAC Address Filtering

Each wireless device possesses a unique identifier called the physical address or MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of the MAC addresses for all devices that connect to them. Wireless routers offer the option to key in the MAC addresses of your home equipment so as to restrict the network to only allow connections from those devices. It ensures that rogue users cannot connect to the wireless router without using advanced MAC spoofing techniques.

5. Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices

Most home wireless devices use dynamic IP addresses, which are randomly assigned by DHCP servers. Unfortunately, dynamic IP allocation also works to the advantage of network attackers, who can easily obtain valid IP addresses from your network’s DHCP pool. Turn off DHCP on the router or access point, set a fixed IP address range instead and then configure each connected device to match. Using a private IP address range (like 10.0.0.x) prevents computers from being directly reached from the Internet.

6. Disable SSID Broadcast

The wireless access point or router typically broadcasts the network name (SSID) over the air at regular intervals. This feature was designed for businesses and mobile hotspots where wireless clients may roam in and out of range. For the home user, this roaming feature is unnecessary as it increases the likelihood of an unauthorised gaining access to your home network. Fortunately, most wireless access points allow the SSID broadcast feature to be disabled by the network administrator. Your SSID name can be manually inputted into your devices.

7. Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and Router

Modern network routers contain built-in firewall capability, which can be easily disabled.

Ensure that your router’s firewall is turned on. For added security, consider installing and running personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router.

8. Turn Off Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use

Shutting down your network when not in use will most certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in. While impractical to frequently switch off and on the devices, at least consider doing so during travel or extended periods of downtime.


But we have inform one thing also, that the scientists & researchers revealed that the WIFI Zone is harmful for the trees  according to the study of Netherlands. So be careful when U use it outside & don't make the environment harmful to others. 


If You follow these steps properly we hope U'r network will be more safer than any other time before.