SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:
1.Disable Broadcast
2.Make it unique
3.Change it often
Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. While this option may be more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless network. This includes hackers. So, don’t broadcast the SSID.
Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is “linksys”.) Hackers know these defaults and can check these against your network. Change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use.
Change your SSID regularly so that any hackers who have gained access to your wireless network will have start from the beginning in trying to break in.
MAC Addresses. Enable MAC Address filtering. MAC Address filtering will allow you to provide access to only those wireless nodes with certain MAC Addresses. This makes it harder for a hacker to access your network with a random MAC Address.
WEP Encryption. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is often looked upon as a panacea for wireless security concerns. This is overstating WEP’s ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker’s job more difficult.
There are several ways that WEP can be maximized:
1.Use the highest level of encryption possible
2.Use “Shared” Key authentication
3.Use multiple WEP keys
4.Change your WEP key regularly
Implementing encryption may have a negative impact on your network’s performance. If you are transmitting sensitive data over your network, encryption should be used.
These security recommendations should help keep your mind at ease while you are enjoying the most flexible and convenient technology Linksys has to offer.
Appendix B: Wireless Security
IMPORTANT: Always remember that each device in your wireless network MUST use the same encryption method and encryption key or your wireless network will not function properly.
48
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks
