TIPS & PRINCIPLES

Always remember

Data sent over Open WiFi can be easily stolen.
A WEP encryption key can be guessed in minutes.
MAC address filtering and disabling SSID broadcast do not provide adequate protection from WiFi misuse.

There are four methods for securing the access to Wi-Fi Network. They are briefly described below. More details can be obtained from the Manual of the device and the device manufacturer.

Enable WPA Encryption:

This option allows users to enable te data encryption with a key phrase or secret key. Unless the client also has the same key, the client will not be able to connect with the Wireless Router. Further, since it is generated by the user, chances of any intruder accessing the router will be very remote. Use of WPA instead of WEP is recommended for added security. Use a strong password that is at least 12 characters long and is a combination of alphanumeric and special characters. Change your password frequently.

Enabling MAC Authentication:

MAC Authentication or MAC binding allows the user to input the MAC address of the PC/Laptop/PDA in the wireless router, for which the access is to be allowed. Router verifies the MAC address of the PC/Laptop/PDA while giving the permission to access the router. This further secures the access to the router.

Disable SSID Broadcast:

Use a Wi-Fi network name (SSID) that does not reveal private information (e.g., your identity or location) or you may disable the SSID broadcast.

Change the Administrator’s Password:

Change the default administrator’s password on your Wi-Fi router. If all the above features are enabled in the Wi-Fi device, then the access to the Wi-Fi device is more secure, and intruders will not be able to misuse the Internet.

Definitions:

WEP: Wired Equivalent Privacy, a deprecated wireless network security standard. Sometimes erroneously called "Wireless Encryption Protocol".
MAC: Message authentication code, used to authenticate a message in cryptography
SSID: The SSID (or Service Set ID entifier) names and identifies a wireless network, It is something that access points broadcast to client devices to announce the presence of the access point.
WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access, a wireless encryption standard.
PDA: A personal digital assistant (PDA), also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager.