Chapter 2
Wireless Security Checklist
Chapter 2:
Wireless Security Checklist
Wireless networks are convenient and easy to install, so homes with
1.Change the default wireless network name or SSID
Wireless devices have a default wireless network name or Service Set Identifier (SSID) set by the factory. This is the name of your wireless network, and can be up to 32 characters in length. Linksys wireless products use linksys as the default wireless network name. You should change the wireless network name to something unique to distinguish your wireless network from other wireless networks that may exist around you, but do not use personal information (such as your Social Security number) because this information may be available for anyone to see when browsing for wireless networks.
2. Change the default password
For wireless products such as access points and routers, you will be asked for a password when you want to change their settings. These devices have a default password set by the factory. The Linksys default password is admin. Hackers know these defaults and may try to use them to access your wireless device and change your network settings. To thwart any unauthorized changes, customize the device’s password so it will be hard to guess.
3. Enable MAC address filtering
Linksys routers give you the ability to enable Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering. The MAC address is a unique series of numbers and letters assigned to every networking device. With MAC address filtering enabled, wireless network access is provided solely for wireless devices with specific MAC addresses. For example, you can specify the MAC address of each computer in your home so that only those computers can access your wireless network.
4. Enable encryption
Encryption protects data transmitted over a wireless network.
A network encrypted with WPA/WPA2 is more secure than a network encrypted with WEP, because WPA/WPA2 uses dynamic key encryption. To protect the information as it passes over the airwaves, you should enable the highest level of encryption supported by your network equipment.
WEP is an older encryption standard and may be the only option available on some older devices that do not support WPA.
General Network Security Guidelines
Wireless network security is useless if the underlying network is not secure.
•• Password protect all computers on the network and individually password protect sensitive files.
•• Change passwords on a regular basis.
•• Install
•• Disable file sharing
Additional Security Tips
•• Keep wireless routers, access points, or gateways away from exterior walls and windows.
•• Turn wireless routers, access points, or gateways off when they are not being used (at night, during vacations).
•• Use strong passphrases that are at least eight characters in length. Combine letters and numbers to avoid using standard words that can be found in the dictionary.
WEB: For more information on wireless security, visit www.linksys.com/security
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