Linksys WAP54GX manual Appendix B Wireless Security, Security Precautions

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Wireless-G Access Point with SRX

Appendix B: Wireless Security

Linksys wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The current generation of Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require specific action on your part for implementation. So, keep the following in mind whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.

Security Precautions

The following is a complete list of security precautions to take (as shown in this User Guide) (at least steps 1 through 5 should be followed):

1.Change the default SSID.

2.Disable SSID Broadcast.

3.Change the default password for the Administrator account.

4.Enable MAC Address Filtering.

5.Change the SSID periodically.

6.Use the highest encryption algorithm possible. Use WPA if it is available. Please note that this may reduce your network performance.

7.Change the WEP encryption keys periodically.

To ensure network security, steps one through five should be followed, at least.

Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless network, wireless networking products first listen for “beacon messages”. These messages can be easily decrypted and contain much of the network’s information, such as the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). Here are the steps you can take:

Change the administrator’s password regularly. With every wireless networking device you use, keep in mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your network administrator is the only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a hold of the administrator’s password, he, too, can change those settings. So, make it harder for a hacker to get that information. Change the administrator’s password regularly.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

NOTE: Some of these security features are available only through the network router or access point. Refer to the router or access point’s documentation for more information.

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Security Precautions

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Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G Copyright and Trademarks How to Use this User GuideTable of Contents Appendix a Troubleshooting Appendix B Wireless SecurityFrequently Asked Questions Back Panel Front PanelWireless Security Radius Screen Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this User Guide? Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Planning Your Wireless Network Network TopologyRoaming Network Layout Wireless Getting to Know the Wireless-G Access Point with SRXBack Panel Connecting the Wireless-G Access Point with Connections for SetupOverview Using the Setup Wizard Setting up the Wireless-G Access Point withConnect the Network Cable to the Router or Switch Screen Check the Access Point’s Status Screen Password Screen Basic Settings Screen Wireless Settings Screen Configuring the Access Point’s Wireless SettingsWEP 128-Bit WEP 64-BitWPA2 Personal WPA/WPA2 Personal WPA Personal14 WPA2 Mixed Mode Settings Screen WPA2 Mixed Mode16 Congratulations Screen Configuring the Wireless-G Access Point with SRX SetupNavigating the Utility Wireless AdministrationStatus Accessing the Utility Setup Network Setup TabNetwork Setup Setup Static IP Screen Basic Wireless Settings Wireless Basic Wireless Settings TabWireless Security Wireless Wireless Security TabWPA2-Mixed Radius Wireless MAC Filter Wireless Wireless MAC Filter TabAdvanced Wireless Wireless Advanced Wireless Settings TabWireless-G Access Point with SRX Management Administration Management TabLog Administration Log TabAdministration Factory Defaults Tab Administration Firmware Upgrade TabFirmware Upgrade Status Local Network Tab AP’s InformationLocal Network Wireless Network Status Wireless Network TabFrequently Asked Questions Appendix a TroubleshootingWhat Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is the ISM band? Does the Access Point function as a firewall? Appendix B Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Enable/disable Appendix F SpecificationsModel StandardsStorage Humidity Operating HumidityLimited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationWireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Appendix I Contact Information
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