How to avoid common wifi security issues

**Akiraa** · 08-05-2011

Change the user password of your wireless router : Access to the configuration utility of your router is secured with a username and password. This page is accessible by typing the IP address of your router in your browser (eg 192.168.1.1). The first step in securing your new WiFi network is to change the password by going to the option to change it.

Set your network name (SSID) : Any WiFi network has a name: SSID (Service Set IDentifier). The second step is to change the name and hide at the sight of malicious users. In the configuration utility of your router, change the default SSID to a name that is avoiding too simple. Deactivate subsequent dissemination of the SSID of your wireless network by checking the box, so that n 'appears not in the list of possible connections from your neighbors.

Enable encryption on your network (security key) : Before using your wireless network, it will be useful to encrypt it with a digital key to not allow access to users that have it. Two types of data encryption currently available. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). If your router and your wireless adapters support it, you should opt for a key with WPA encryption key pre-shared.

However, if your hardware does not support WPA, then enable WEP. Handling is simple because the digital encryption is created from a phrase you must enter a password at least 5 letters or phrase in the corresponding field and the router will generate different codes. Remember to write down (one is enough) because they will be used to connect each computer on the network.

Filter MAC addresses : Devices (PC or PDA) connected to a wireless network have a network card equipped with a specific address: MAC address (regardless of it, a computer is defined by its IP address). In the configuration utility for your router, you must activate the filter option and enter the MAC addresses of each of your devices. Thus, only these devices (known on the network by their MAC addresses) can access the network.

Configure wireless machines : For each machine to connect to the network, you must indicate the information listed above. After researching your wireless network, you must change the SSID to match the one you specified for the router. Then enter the digital encryption key that was specified in the router configuration utility. Once done, your device should connect to the router and the Internet.

Enable file sharing : To share files between computers and peripherals connected to WiFi, you must enable file sharing. The process of sharing in Windows XP is simple. Go to Control Panel, then Network Connections and click on Create a home network or corporate network. Then select This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my home network or via a residential gateway. The connection wizard will detect your Internet connection.

To share a folder with Windows XP, right click on the folder in question, and choose Sharing and Security and check the option Share this folder. To then access to all shared folders from any machine on the network, click Start and My Network Places. The technique is similar to post a networked printer: on the computer the printer is directly connected, go to the Start menu and then click Printers and Faxes, then right-click on the installed printer and select Sharing.

**Wguy2008** · 08-05-2011

There are ample of ways to protect the same. I use an internet monitoring tool that helps to keep a track on what is going on the lan. The issue with the same is sniffing. Some tools just sniff your keywords clicks and copy the same. That is really a little bit risky. For the same you will need to use a much better tool that can guide to your current network. A better internet security is much better for this topic.

**Pabloa** · 08-05-2011

Once the service Wireless Zero Configuration is running, it remains to enable network management by Windows. To do this, we will go to Start, Control Panel, then Network Connections. Here on the Wireless Network Connection icon, right click and select Properties. Then click the second tab of the window Wireless Networks. On top of this window, we will check the Use Windows to configure my wireless network and then confirm with OK.