When you buy a wireless router it is not secure and its default
configuration will allow unwanted users that are in the vicinity of
your
router
to connect to the internet and “steal” your wireless router internet
connection. They could also gain access to your PC and steal files and
folders of data. Manufacturers leave the configuration “open” so that
the user can easily set up the router and get it up and running
quickly. However, there is a risk if the router is not secure.
Accessing Your Wireless Router's Configuration
To gain access to your wireless router settings and configuration menu
then connect to the router either wirelessly or via a Ethernet cable.
Open a web browser and type either:
http://192.168.1.1 or
http://192.168.2.1
1) Change Admin password
Most wireless routers ship with a blank password. It is essential that
this is changed else a potential hacker could get into your router
configuration and lock you out of your own hardware.
2) Change The Network Name (otherwise known as the SSID)
The default
network
name is usually made up of the name/model of your wireless router. This
information gives a head start for a hacker and makes it easier for
them to break into your network. Don't rename it to something like your
surname or house name as this unnecessarily exposes personal
information. Rename it to an alpha-numeric string - this can be up to
32 characters long.
3) Turn off SSID broadcasting
By default, a wireless router's SSID is broadcast so anyone in the
vicinity of your wireless router can see that it. SSID broadcasting can
be turned off thus making your wireless router virtually invisible.
4) Enabling Encryption
This is switched off by default. There is a choice of WEP, WPA and
WPA2. Currently the latest encryption method is WPA2 so use this where
possible. Both your wireless router and wireless PC adaptor must be
configured to use the same encryption.
5) Mac Address Control
All hardware has a unique MAC address associated with it, including your PC adaptor card. This MAC address can be added to
access control list in the wireless router. Only devices added to the router's access control list are allowed to be connected.
6) Update router firmware
It is recommended that the latest router firmware is downloaded from
the manufacturer's website and installed in the router. This will
hopefully fix any bugs that have been found for your router and also
help with any known
security flaws in the router itself.
7) Backup settings
Finally, backup all router settings. If you reset the router back to
its factory default settings for whatever reason, your configuration
can later be easily and quickly restored back into the router.
