Wireless Security Tips

1. Change the default security settings, including IP Address, SSID (Service Set Identifiers), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol – Automatically assigns a computer an IP Address) and passwords. Example: Linksys Wireless Routers come preconfigured for quick set up right out of the box. Be sure to disable SSID broadcast.The problem is everyone that owns a Linksys wireless router knows that the standard password is “admin” with a default IP address of 192.168.1.1. , an SSID name of “Linksys” and DHCP enabled.
2. Encrypt Data
   a. WEP ( Wired Equivalent Privacy) – The original wireless standard but since proven not to be so secure. Still better than no encryption.
   b. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) – Developed in 2003 to address the vulnerability of WEP. Includes the 802.1x authenthication and TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is optional.
   c. 802.11i – Released by IEEE this summer. Considered the best option when buying new wireless equipment.
3. Install personal firewalls on devices – XP comes with an option to enable a Personal Firewall. Another option is a free firewall for home users made by ZoneAlarms at www.zonelabs.com
4. Enable MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering. Allowing only MAC addresses that are specifically added to the filter.
5. Change wireless signal if applicable – If you have an 802.11G and only have 802.11G wireless clients then change the wireless signal to only 802.11G. This allows for better transmission rates. However, if you own both 802.11G clients then you will need to set the wireless signal to both 802.11B & 802.11G.