| Nowadays, it is typical for one household to have | | | | data sent over the network which means that |
| multiple computers. With more and more people | | | | although they are intercepted, they cannot be |
| setting up their wireless networks at home, | | | | easily read by humans. Wireless networks that |
| connecting multiple computers is a breeze as | | | | have encryption settings enabled usually require |
| most devices that are being produced nowadays | | | | that any devices who want to connect to the |
| are wireless capable. However, home wireless | | | | network should input a password. This can |
| networks should still be secured whenever | | | | significantly decrease the chances of hackers |
| possible. | | | | getting into your network thus also minimizing the |
| Wireless networks are always prone to network | | | | risk of identity theft. |
| breach. In a recent hackers convention, they | | | | 3. Disable SSID Broadcast. SSID broadcast means |
| demonstrated time and again how easy to it is | | | | that when you turn on your wireless device, it will |
| for them to get inside the wireless networks and | | | | automatically pick up the network that is being |
| see what everyone is doing with their computer. | | | | detected. This is only ideal for public Wi-Fi access |
| It is therefore important that even the wireless | | | | so that hot spots may be easily accessible to |
| network set up in your home are protected to | | | | people who want to connect to the network. |
| ensure that your personal information are not just | | | | However, for home wireless networks, it is not |
| secluded from hackers but from identity theft as | | | | important that you broadcast your network since |
| well. | | | | you can easily set it up yourself. This feature is |
| Here are some tips that you might want to | | | | totally unnecessary and it will only increase the |
| consider to secure your wireless network: | | | | chances of your network being hacked because |
| 1. Change the default administrator username and | | | | when a hacker is able to detect your network, |
| password. The heart of your wireless network is | | | | chances are, they will try to breach it. |
| your router. Manufacturers of these devices | | | | 4. Change your network name. Your network |
| typically provide web pages (or user interface) | | | | name is also known as the SSID. Most routers |
| where you, as the owner, will enter your network | | | | shipped by the manufacturers typically carry their |
| and account information. These web pages have | | | | brands as the default network name. Networks |
| a default username and password which is | | | | that are on default SSID often means that it is a |
| universal to all brands. You have to then change | | | | poorly configured network and is more prone to |
| these settings as soon as you set up your router | | | | attack. Change it immediately when you set up. If |
| to prevent unauthorized access. | | | | you are clueless as to how to do it, call customer |
| 2. Enable WPA/WEP Encryption. Wi-Fi devices are | | | | service. |
| often equipped with encryption mechanism that | | | | Securing your wireless network is a very |
| ensures that only authorized computers or | | | | significant step in securing your personal |
| devices will be allowed to connect to the network. | | | | information from identity theft. |
| This encryption technology camouflages various | | | | |