Six tips for using wireless networks safely

With the development of wireless network technology, wireless network products are getting cheaper and cheaper. What security should we pay attention to when setting up wireless networks or using them? How can I set en?

Wireless Network products have become more and more popular recently, and the price is very low. Almost anyone can build a wireless LAN with less than $100 devices within a few minutes. The widespread use of wireless networks means that there may be dozens of potential network intruders lurking in your home or office wireless LAN.

Most LAN hardware settings are simple enough for users. Users just plug in and start to use the network without enough security awareness. However, it takes several minutes to configure the wireless router or access point before using the network. You can protect your wireless network in the following ways:

1) Ensure the security of your wireless router or access point management connection

Almost all routers and access points require an administrator password to log on to the device and then modify any configuration. Most devices use low-security passwords, such as the word "password" or the name of the manufacturer. Some do not even have a preset password. Once you set up a new wireless router or access point, you should change the default password as the first step you need to do before other things. You may not need to use this password frequently, so you must write it in a safe place, so that you can easily find it if necessary. If you lose the password, the only way to enter a vro or access point is to restart and restore to the default factory settings, which will reset all the settings you have modified.

2) Do not broadcast your SSID

Most LAN access points and routers automatically and continuously broadcast network names or SSID numbers. This makes it extremely convenient for wireless users because you can find a LAN without knowing what it is called, however, this will also enable your wireless LAN to be seen in any wireless system covered by the network. Turn off the SSID broadcast of your network so that your neighbors or passers-by can not see your network. (Although it will still be found by the unlimited LAN probe device)

3) Replace WEP with WPA Encryption

802.11 WEP (same wired privacy) encryption has a well-known weakness. Users can use the correct instrument to crack the encryption into the wireless LAN. A better way to protect your LAN is to use WAP (Wi-Fi protection for access ). WAP provides better protection and is easier to use, because your password settings are not limited to 0-9 and A-F used in WEP. WPA support has been established since Windows XP.

If you find that some of your wireless devices only support WEP encryption (applicable to non-PC devices, such as media players, PDAs, and DVRs), stay away from the temptation to skip encryption because, although WEP is flawed, it is much better than not encrypting it. If you can only use WEP, make sure that your password is difficult and cannot be cracked. Despite the pain points, WEP users often need to change their passwords about once a week.

4) Use MAC filter entry control

Unlike IP addresses, MAC addresses are unique and use specific network adapters. Therefore, by enabling MAC filtering, You can restrict the network port to only your own system. To filter MAC addresses, you need to enter the vro or AP to find the MAC addresses of all 12-bit systems connected to the network, this is not easy to set, especially when many wireless users or users change frequently.

5) reduce the power of the wireless LAN Transmitter

You cannot find this function on any vro or access point. However, some allow you to reduce the power of the launch station of the wireless LAN to reduce the signal range. Although it is usually impossible to precisely adjust the signal so that the signal does not leak from the home or the company, through continuous testing, you can even allow yourself to control the distance that the signal can reach, minimize the threat of outsiders entering your wireless LAN.

6) Disable Remote Management

Most wireless routers can be remotely managed over the Internet. As a rule, unless you absolutely need this capability, it is best to disable remote management. Otherwise, almost anyone can find and access your vro anywhere.