Wireless security - Is more important than you think!
Wireless security has never been taken seriously because we’ve always been using wired networks till this date. Many of you will say that such a lame reason! But, believe me that’s a correct reason and I’ll explain it to you right now.
Wireless networks can be easily exploited by hackers as compared to any wired network and the reason is simple, our wireless network can be accessed by anyone who has a device with wireless capabilities and then can abuse the information stored on the network, but when it’s a wired network, then the person has to come down physically and connect to that network. Although, hackers know the tricks of penetrating in those networks too but at least you won’t be targeted that easily.
Why do you think that Wireless security is so important, I don’t have anything on my computer, which will benefit any other person ?
Good Question! Here are the reasons, for which you’ll agree to me that wireless security is important :
1. Do you use online banking services ? If the answer was yes, then believe me you leave lots of traces which can reveal lots of account related information. And same goes for Online shopping too. So, you can fear of losing bank account related information, credit card information. Would you like to compromise on information like that?
2. Your internet connection can be misused : Your internet connection can be misused by many people, and they may increase the cost of bandwidth and you may end up paying huge bills. There can be a case, where nasty people may try to send your internet connection to send spam and then you’ll be held liable for that. Would you like to see that happen to you ?
I’m sure the answer in both the cases must have been NO and so that means you agree to me that Wireless security is important!
What do I need to do to secure my home wireless network ?
There are few things which you can do to ensure that you’ll not give easy access to those who are eyeing on free internet connection or some important information stored on your computer :
1. Change the SSID : SSID is the case sensitive name assigned to a wireless network and it has to be used by each and every device in that network. By default, it is the manufacturer’s name but it is advisable to change that and make sure you don’t change it to anything identifiable for e.g. your name, address or anything like that.
2. Use WPA or WPA 2 : When it comes to security in wireless then prefer to use WPA or WPA 2 over WEP. WEP is very easy to break as compared to WPA or WPA 2, be it Static WEP or Dynamic WEP.
3. Use a strong and long key : With WPA, you’ve to specify a Pre-Shared Key (PSK) and which acts as a password to your network. Ensure that it has to be long (at least 20 characters long) and must not be any dictionary word. Dictionary attacks can be used to break the key.
Things which don’t help you in securing the wireless networks :
There are various myths about wireless security and George Ou of ZDnet has mentioned that the following ways are the dumbest ways of securing the wireless networks :
• MAC filtering.
• SSID hiding.
• LEAP authentication.
• Disabling DHCP.
• Interior antenna placement and low power.
• Limiting your use to 802.11a or Bluetooth.
I hope you found this small guide useful. Please share your thoughts in the comments and if you like the article then feel free to subscribe to the newsletter or the feeds.
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Ok. You got my attention, Mayank.
But trust me - I understood nothing you said. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
What is SSID? WEP? WPA? :P
No - I am not joking. All I have done at home is plugged in the router to power, and that is it. I will need to research this a bit.
Good post from the previous wireless post.
Yup, I do agree that everyone should know on how to protect their wireless from intrusion. :-)
yes you right about that… WPA is better than WEP…
thank your for the wonderful article, it gives us a better understanding of how and why we need security.
hahah this is funny….
“dumbest ways of securing the wireless networks :
• Disabling DHCP.”
it is dumb… hehehhee…
this article is informative and entertaining at the same time… keep up the good work and good humor….
@ Vyoma : SSID is the name of the network which you chose. When you configure the router, you get to chose the SSID.
WEP & WPA are the security standards used in wireless networking. WEP was older and WPA is newer and WPA 2 is the newest. If you’ve recently purchased a router then most likely the router will support WPA 2.
In order to check, that which one you are using, you have to again go into the router, check for security and make sure that you use WPA or WPA 2 and leave WEP.
For detailed information on WPA or WPA 2 you can go here : http://www.answers.com/topic/wi-fi-protected-access
and for WEP you can go here : http://www.answers.com/topic/wired-equivalent-privacy
@ kuanhoong : thanks for the appreciation :)
@ Jaren : I’m glad that you liked the post :)
Stumbled! :)
I keep one computer wired and I store my financial information (Quicken) on that computer. Everything else in my home is wireless, but is encrypted and requires a password to use.
I’m not sure exactly how secure encrypted wireless is, but at least it will throw a roadblock in front of a hacker.
At work we aren’t allowed wireless keyboards for this very reason. People can get your password by viewing your keystrokes via the wireless output.
Great post. And I gotta admit, I’ve super slacked on securing my network. I should be shot. (#):(
Thanks. That was informative. :)
Good to point Mayank. Nice emphasize on Wireless security. Unfortunately, I am still using WEP method. Thanks for bringing it to notice. Meanwhile I found an article on Why not WEP thought it would be worth sharing here. Check it here http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3672711.
Also nice point by Kyle on usage of Wireless Keyboard.
@ Kyle : Just check if its’ WEP or WPA. If its WEP then change it to WPA.
@ Bush : No need to shoot yourself :) Just follow this guide…and get going :)
@ Vyoma : Glad, that you found it informative!
@ Ben : Thanks for sharing the link. I didn’t explain it that why it was important and I’m sure that this link will certainly explain it.
Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G Router…
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