Wireless Broadband Security Guide

Wireless networking has been rapidly adopted by many home users and businesses for its mobility and removing unsightly wires from the networking site. There is another benefit - you can use single broadband connection for multiple computers - an alternative to wired home networking.

However, wireless network also comes with a potential disadvantage. A wireless network uses radio signals to transfer the data and this sometimes leads to potential risks of data being accessed by unauthorized users or even the internet connection being hijacked by illegal means.

A recent study shows many internet users who access internet wirelessly do not configure the security options provided in their PCs or in the wireless router thus making it so unsafe that anyone can interrupt, hack and use their connection.

Often, unencrypted networks fall prey to hackers, intruders and wifi thieves and there are chances that anyone in the vicinity of your network range can log on to your wireless network (as passwords can be cracked easily), use your connection to download (meaning he uses your bandwidth) and get access to illegal sites.

WEP does not give foolproof wifi security although most users still use it. However, it can be cracked by certain software, so it is not advisable to have it when you are keener on wifi security.

WPA and the new WPA2 can give better wireless security and unlike WEP their encryption keys are hard to crack. When you buy wireless routers, check whether they are enabled with WPA or WPA2. This can often ensure your wireless connection is more safe and secure.

You can secure your wireless networking by taking the precautions as listed below:

1. Do you have a firewall? Make sure that it is on. The primary function of your firewall is to prevent any intruder from accessing your PC via your gateway.
2. Use passwords to access your PC or even passwords on important folders can make it difficult for hackers to access any important information
3. If you have been using WEP, switch to WPA encryption which provides better security. This safe protocol and the advanced WPA2 will stop hackers, intruders, wifi thieves from using your wifi connection. Remember, the best encryption method guarantees complete wifi security.
4. After installing your wifi router, change the default name and password given by the manufacturer. Setting passwords difficult to crack also help for better security.
5. When you are on travel or in a public place, make sure that you have disabled SSID connectivity. In enabled mode, the router will be open to all kinds of intruders and illegal access.
6. When you have connected two or more PCs using wifi router, it is better to switch off P2P network while keeping all PCs on infrastructure mode. This will also prevent strangers from stepping into your wifi network.
7. When you are using, it is a good idea to shut down the system/s with all networking hardware like modem and router turned off. Remember, noone access your PC or network, when it is turned off.
8. Now and then, check whether any one is using your wireless gateway using software designed for this purpose.
9. Nowadays, ISPs provide complete wireless support when you buy wifi routers provided by them. Not only the routers are configured for the best wifi security, they will help and guide you to set up the essential encryption like WPA or WPA2.