The Massive Importance Of A Secure Wi-fi Network

Wi-Fi has allowed us to connect all kinds of different devices together simultaneously. Laptops, desktops, mobile phones, PDA’s and even cars are now Wi-Fi equipped. There are plenty of reasons why you would want Wi-Fi set-up in your house or office but certain things need to be done to ensure security.

The major concern of Wi-Fi hotspots goes beyond not being able to connect, but security! Inherently unsecure networks mean an unsecure web experience. This is because encryption methods such as WEP and WPA, which are usually used to protect private wireless networks, aren't implemented due to the complexities of supporting users. Furthermore, using WEP or WPA means you will have to advertise the “private” encryption key(s). This kills the whole idea of using encryption because wireless ‘eavesdroppers’ then have the key(s) to quickly decode the Wi-Fi hotspot traffic. Many Wi-Fi hotspot users do not understand the issues related to using public wireless networks and so they don't take any steps to ensure their personal documents, privacy and identity are safe. The same goes with the people installing the hotspots. They may not be aware of the issues they face or the fact that they can take a few easy and simple steps to help secure user access. To understand how to protect yourself while using Wi-Fi hotspots and how hotspot administrators can better secure hotspots, everyone needs to be familiar with the main issues of these public wireless networks.

Routers typically offer at least two common forms of security: WEP, and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption. Both are easy to enable, although you'll get maximum protection from WPA. To activate security, go to your router's browser-based administration tool (the default address for most routers is http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1) and look for the wireless security area. WPA requires a simple security phrase (eight to 63 characters), or with some routers, an even more secure (but much harder to remember) 64-digit key. Similarly, WEP demands that you choose from 64-bit or 128-bit encryption, and enter an alphanumeric hex phrase, with some routers giving you the option to enter a simpler ASCII phrase. In addition to enabling wireless security, you can also disable the broadcasting of the Service Set Identifier (SSID, or network name). Doing so can make the network more difficult for hackers to see.

You can read and read about Wi-Fi security, but nothing will get the point across as efficiently as actually seeing what eavesdroppers can see on an ‘unsecured wireless network.’

By: Don Rev

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The author The Laptop Hut specialises in the repair of laptop and notebook computers and Laptop upgrades and servicing.