Protect your wireless network

Understand how a wireless network works

In general, to establish a wireless network, you must connect to an “access point” to the Internet - such as a cable or DSL modem - which in turn is connected to a wireless router that sends a signal through the air at a distance that can reach up to several hundred feet. Any device that is within the range of the router can pick up the signal it emits to the air and access the internet.

Anyone who is within the broadcast range can use your network, unless you take certain precautions. That means that your neighbors - or any hacker who is nearby - could “ride a horse” from your network or access the information stored on your device. If an unauthorized person uses their network to commit a crime or to send spam, the activity could be traced to their account service routers.

Use encryption on your wireless network

Once you have installed your wireless network, you should encrypt the information you send through that network so that the attackers within your reach cannot spy on these communications. The coding system encrypts the information you send online making it a code to prevent other people from accessing your data. The most effective way to protect your network against intruders is to use encryption.

There are two types of coding available for this purpose. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption. Your computer, your router and other equipment must use the same type of encryption. WPA2 encoding is the one that offers the highest level of security, if you have the option, use this system as it can protect your network against most hackers. There are some older routers that only use the WEP encryption system that probably does not offer protection against some of the most common pirate programs. Consider buying a new router with WPA2 capability.

Wireless routers usually come with the encryption feature disabled. You must activate it. You should find the explanation to activate it in your router's instruction manual. If you cannot find the explanation, visit the company's website.

Limit access to your network

Only enable specific devices to access your network. Each of the devices enabled to communicate with a network is assigned a single multimedia access control or MAC address. Typically, wireless routers have a mechanism that only enables network access to those devices that have a particular MAC assigned. Some hackers have imitated MAC addresses, so do not rely solely on this step.