Download 9 Simple steps to secure your Wi-Fi Network.

9 Simple steps to secure your
Wi-Fi Network.
Step 1: Change the Default Password of Modem / Router
After opening modem page click on management access control – password. Select username,
confirm old password and put new desired
password.
Change the default password
Each router has a default username and password, and you should always change these the
moment you start configuring the router. If the router's password is either unchanged common or
weak, a hacker might be able to reconfigure the router and wipe out all your other security measures,
making them useless. You should try to use a good mix of numbers and characters to be on the
safe side.
Tips in setting a new password
•
Always use combinations of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols in
your passwords.
•
Avoid using common words, which are known to friends and neighbors.
•
Change your passwords frequently.
Step 2: Disable the DHCP services
Click on Advance Setup - LAN and
Disable DHCP services. Then save
& apply.
Disable the DHCP service
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enables remote computers connected to the
router to obtain an IP address and connect to the network without needing to know the IP
and router address information. Disabling the DHCP services is a simple add effective way of
keeping intruders away. As far as possible, set up the computers on your network with static
IP addresses. If you still want to use DHCP to make your own configuration easier, restrict
the number of DHCP IP users to the number of computers on your network. For
example, if you have five laptops running on the network, limit the DHCP IP addresses to 5
from the default 50.
Step 3: Change the Default SSID
Click on wireless – click
basic- and changed SSID
accordingly
Change the default SSID
The SSID is the name of your network. It often reveals the name of a house or
office from where signal is coming, allowing hackers to zero in on your location. Change the
SSID to some random name, or disable SSID broadcast entirely if possible. Disabling
the SSID broadcast makes your WiFi router invisible to laptops and cell phones in the
area, which automatically scan for Wi-Fi hotspots and try to join them. If hackers can't be
sure that your network even exists, they will not bother trying to break in.
Step 4: Opt for WPA2 or PSK security
Click on Wireless - security – change
network authentication WPA2-PSK, enter
WPA pre-shared key, as shown in the
figure.
Opt for WPA2 or PSK security over WEP
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) keys can be cracked with relative ease, so opt for WPA (Wi-Fi
Protected Access), which uses 64-bit or 128-bit encryption. PSKs are Pre-Shared Keys, which
provide stronger security than WEP or WPA. The encrypted keys are shared by the router
and your Wi-Fi devices. The higher the encryption bit rate, the more difficult it is to crack.
Step 5: Enable the MAC filter
Click on Wireless – MAC Filter and ADD the
MAC address to authenticate or restrict a
particular computer on the network.
En ab le the M AC F ilte r
Enable MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering to restrict or authenticate a particular
computer on the network. A MAC address is a unique physical address assigned to every piece
of network equipment, which the router can use to restrict or authenticate it. If an unauthorized
computer tries to join the network, it will simply be rejected.
Step 6: Disable the Remote Administration
Disable remote administration
Remote management features can be helpful and convenient if you are constantly on the move,
but can also be a window for hackers. Enable this feature only when you are actually traveling and
really need it.
Step 7: Use the Router's firewall
Enable the firewall feature if your router has one. Usually, routers use SPI (Stateful Packet
Inspection), which reviews the packets of data entering your network. If your router has an
Internet Filter, enable it too. This rejects anonymous Internet requests and keeps your
network from being "pinged", or detected by other users over the Internet.
Step 8: Switch off the router when not in use
If you only need Wi-Fi for home or office networking and do not need to use the Internet at all
times, you could simply disconnect the ISP's cable from your router or switch off your
ADSL/cable modem.
Step 9: Position your Router carefully
As far as possible, position the router in the center of your room or office. If your router allows
you to reduce its signal strength, keep it at a level sufficient for your usage area. You never know
how many people are actually able to detect and use your network. Keeping the router at a
height increases the area of broadcast, so keep that in mind.