A wireless network connection is prone to attack from various sources. Because of this, it is good practice to implement measures to ensure the fidelity of your wireless network and minimise the chances of such attacks. This article will provide you with a number of things you can do in order to protect your home wireless network.
Disabling the network name – SSID broadcast
By default, a wireless network broadcasts the network name (SSID) at regular intervals. This feature was intended for application by business and mobile hotspot clients who browse both within and out of range. However, the application is not necessary in a home wireless network and only increases the risk of unauthorised login on your home network. Disabling this feature will go a long way in enhancing the security of your home network.
Avoid Auto-Connecting to Open Wi-Fi Networks
Open wireless networks include free wireless hotspots. By connecting to such hotspots, you expose your computer to a security threat and to attack. Most computers are set to allow connection to hotspots, without confirmation from the user. Disabling the feature can eliminate the risk of exposing your computer to attacks via this route.
Assigning Static IP Addresses to Devices
Dynamic IP addresses are the preferred choice for most home wireless networkers. This is mainly due to the fact that DHCP is easy to configure. However, this can turn out to be a great undoing, in that the simplicity of the DHCP set-up is a great advantage to network attackers; who can easily gain access to your IP addresses from the network’s DHCP pool. To enhance your home wireless network you should set up a fixed IP address and then turn-off the DHCP on the router/hub. You can then configure each piece of hardware, on your wireless network, to match your private IP address range. The use of private IP address range prevents Internet based attacks.
Its also worth setting up the router so it will only allow access from certain MAC addresses. These are unique to every network card. This is a common feature on most modern routers.
The only downside is, it takes a little while longer to add new Wireless devices.
Jonny 4th February 2009 @ 18:16
Jonny in theory its good but its such a pain tbh. its just far easyier to have wpa setup and working, i think people hacking your wireless signal is often over rated unless you leave it open.
Paul 10th February 2009 @ 12:42