How to Keep Wi-Fi Connections Safe and Secure
Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity is a wireless communication technology that provides Internet access. It is the famous technology that is growing day by day and has taken the place in our homes and offices or wherever we are. It is just because of the wireless networks you can reduce the use of wires. The Wi-Fi hotspots are an affordable way to stay connected. Thus Wireless Wi-Fi technology enjoying huge appeal in coffee shops and cafes around the world but it really becomes risky if you do not take the precautions to keep your Wi-Fi connections safe and secure.
Let us tell you how to keep your Wi-Fi connections safe.
1. Passwords Rule
There are various security softwares available that com with most of the routers and thus they provide several degree of password protection. It is advised not to use WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) as they can be easily hacked. Use WPA Personal passwords, or an even more secure format. Try to have the strongest passwords and change them often.
2. Secure network as well as every connection
Make sure that you make your PC safe with its own firewall. It will also a great idea to rename your network and use the media access control (MAC) feature that is usually included with your router too.
3. Map out your existing network infrastructure
You should first map out the existing network and identify the device that is needed to connect to the Internet. Take note of your Operating system currently running, versions and service packs levels.
4. Evaluate Router
You should then evaluate your wireless router and check its capabilities. If it does not have “Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2),” then purchase a newer router with WPA support.
5. Assess your computer
Check which operating system you are using. If it is any Windows computer with less than Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), upgrade it to either Windows XP SP2 or Vista. For Macintosh computers, upgrade to at least OS X 10.3.3 or later for the most reliable WPA support.
6. Configure your router
Many businesses offer server based solutions called WPA Enterprise which require professional installation and maintenance while homes use the “WPA-Home” version of WPA, or WPA-PSK. In order to configure WPA-PSK select a key called a passphrase, of between eight and 63 character letters, numerals or some special characters. Enter the passphrase into your router’s security configuration. Make sure that your “Service Set Identifier (SSID)” is set to broadcast, and that you’ve given it a unique name.
7. Configure you computer
In each computer wireless connection select the Wi-Fi network with the SSID you created and then enter the passphrase into WPA-PSK configuration.
8. Positioning of router
Try to position your router so that it may give the perfect coverage. Locate it in the center of your room and should not be near the windows.
9. Lock your router
Make sure that you do change the router’s default password and disable remote management capabilities. If your router has an option to require a wired connection for administrative access, turn it on. Finally, make sure that the firewall is installed in it.
10. Be careful in Public
Be careful in Wi-Fi hotspots as they do not use encryption protocols and security functions. The bad access points can be connected to hacker’s database to collect passwords, usernames, and even credit card data. Don’t set your wireless card to connect automatically to any available network. Turn off the ad-hoc mode, and turn off your Wi-Fi card entirely as soon as you are done.
Thus these are the great tips to make your Wi-Fi connections safe and secure.
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