| Securing a home wireless network is a two step | | | | encryption is normally weak and can be easily |
| process. The first step is to ensure network | | | | broken. Normally WEP (Wireless Equivalent |
| security by securing the wireless access point or | | | | Privacy) is used for data encryption, however |
| router. All of this can normally be done through | | | | where available try and use WPA-PSK encryption. |
| the web based software interface of the device, | | | | This method uses 256 bit encryption for |
| by typing in the default address of '192.168.0.1'. | | | | transmitting data and the key also changes so |
| The first thing that needs to be changed is | | | | provides a far more secure alternative to WEP. |
| administrator username and password. Many | | | | Some routers have firewalls built in. Where |
| networks are hacked into, simply because nobody | | | | available make sure that this option is enabled. |
| bothered changing the default values. This is the | | | | The second step of securing a home wireless |
| same as most VCRs still blinking 12:00 because no | | | | network is securing each individual's PC. This can |
| one changed the time. Once this is done, enable | | | | be done by installing a software firewall (this may |
| MAC address filtering, and add computers based | | | | not always be necessary if a hardware firewall is |
| on their MAC address. This option will allow only | | | | installed), antivirus software, anti-spam and pop-up |
| those specified computers to connect to the | | | | blocking software. It is essential to keep this |
| network, but will not however guarantee total | | | | software up to date, as downloading the latest |
| security. | | | | security updates for the operating system and |
| The network SSID defines a name for the | | | | web browser you are using. |
| network. The default value of this should be | | | | You can manage your home network yourself if |
| changed to an obscure and long string. This value | | | | you have the time, or you can buy a home |
| should be written down in a safe place and | | | | networking software that will monitor your |
| entered into the machines that are allowed to | | | | network and alert you to any intruders or weak |
| connect. Disabling the broadcast of the network | | | | security measures for about $30. Whichever way |
| SSID also provides an extra layer of security as | | | | you choose to do it make sure you secure your |
| the network will not advertise itself to outsiders. | | | | home wireless network. |
| Encryption should also be enabled. The default | | | | |