Wireless network security

Wireless network security

The wisest course is not wireless, but internet cables. But enough people have good reasons to want to have wireless internet (eg to think can not or will build all kinds of cables throughout the house or people who want their laptop anywhere in house use.) It is very wise to your wireless network secure. This seems harder than it is, the only problem is that each brand modem or router has a different menu settings which should be veranderd.Het at hand from the included manual is therefore advisable to re. If you have lost your manual you can try the Internet via the manufacturer's website to download a new. If you are going to change the settings it makes sense the connection between the modem and computer to go through a network and not through the wireless connection. Changing settings may result in the wireless connection between the modem and the computer loses so institutions are not saved. Re-connecting the modem is consequently often not possible.

Explaining the different ways of securing
There are several ways (techniques) to protect your network. WEP, WPA (TKIP) and WPA2 (AES). Do not be deterred by these terms;

* The oldest method to protect the network is using WEP. In practice, the very easy to crack WEP encryption. A wireless network with WEP is not really recommended. But if your wireless network equipment no other opportunities, it is better to use WEP or no security.
* A more recent standard for securing a wireless network is WPA. WPA has some big advantages over WEP security. WPA uses TKIP as encryption (encryption).
* The password is thus difficult to crack by hackers. WPA2 is even more modern and safer, currently one of the safest ways to protect your network. WPA2 uses AES as encryption (encryption).
* Even WPA2 can be cracked, as recently at a convention in America was demonstrated, but it is very difficult.
* WPA2-Mixed means that your modem with both WPA and WPA2 can handle (it will also allow PCs or laptops 'log' that only work with WPA). So, depending on your modem provides opportunities combined with the potential that your PCs and / or laptops can handle, choose the safest method.


Settings in modem
To adjust the settings it is possible to use Internet Explorer to connect to your modem. This goes as follows;

* Open Internet Explorer,
* Look in the manual to the IP address (number / address) of your modem. Eg. 192.168.1.245 or something.
* Type this number in the address bar of Internet Explorer (where www.blablabla.nl State)
* Press enter.


It will now enter a username and password are required. Most modems have a default username and password (eg: admin). This is again reflected in the manual. Once these details are entered correctly you will enter the main menu of your modem. Here you can set the security setting somewhere, this example can be found under: Wireless Setup> Security. For the exact location of these settings in your manual.

Setting the security
You set the modem to use WEP, WPA, WPA2 or evt. WPA-Mixed. You type in 'Passphrase' or 'Key' a password of your choice. Choose a strong password, preferably using both letters and numbers, take at least 8 characters (hint: change letters in numbers, "Password" becomes "W8chtw00rd 'and' Cozy 'is' G3z3ll1g'). Remember this password because you need it later on any PC or laptop that will make connection (single) input. Click 'OK' or 'Apply' to save the settings. If you try to connect your computer to the wireless network the computer for the password, enter the password that allows the computer to connect to. You can now any cables that you used to configure the modem again to remove.

More security
Some of the following acts are not for beginners, using The number of asterisks (1-5) you can see the difficulty level (easy = * / ***** = difficult).

Default username and password *
Most modems have a default username and password (eg: admin). This is reflected in the manual. Once these details are entered correctly you will enter the main menu of your modem. It is important to at least change the password immediately! Sometimes the user can also be changed. This default username and password are a brand on the web, so take it as soon as possible to change.

Use a strong password;

* Min 8 characters
* Both numbers and letters
* Preferably also characters like * @% (? +!


Network Name Change *
Somewhere in the Security menu of your modem is something like "SSID" or "ESSID". Behind is a name (often the name of the manufacturer eg "SITECOM", "LINKSYS" or "SPEED TOUCH"), this is the name of your network, using this name, hackers can see what brand modem you use with the and dangerous. You can choose to change this name. For example, choose another manufacturer (You have a SITECOM but changes the name SPEED TOUCH).

Network name not emit **
You can also choose the SSID (network name) not to broadcast. This prevents the wireless network makes himself known to the outside world. This means that once the SSID on the computer to indicate what wireless network you connect to.

Channel wireless networks ****
The program 'Netstumbler' you can see which channels the wireless networks in the broadcasting environment. Preferably not go down as the same channel as your neighbor, but choose a different channel.

MAC Address Filter option ****
If the MAC addresses of the PCs / laptops on the wireless network obsolete, you can find "MAC address filter option exactly which PCs or laptops or not allowed to connect.

Explanation: The MAC address you can identify the following way: When you first start a DOS window: Go to Start / Run and type in command (or cmd). And click on OK. A black window. Here, type ipconfig / all. As the result of your wireless network a physical address.
This is the MAC address you can write (xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx).

Firmware Update ****
When new firmware for your modem / router you can download to your computer. Consult the manual of your modem / router to find out how the firmware of your modem / router to update. Please note that when updating firmware usually lost all settings. It is therefore advisable to make notes of your settings before the firmware update goes.