Security in Wireless Network Connections
The use in Internet access of wireless modems providing great ease in everyday life increases, so does the risk that ill-intentioned attacks may target computer connecting by such modems.
Internet access by wireless network connections is provided over transmission made by the wireless modem. A wireless modem can transmit to a wide area beyond the house or the business. In this case, an unsecured modem and Internet transmission may allow ill-intentioned people to access your computer and your confidential information such as password, pass code, etc. to be stolen.
If connect to the Internet using a wireless network, it is vital that you take the following measures for your own security:
Change the user code and password allowing you to access the management panel of your modem.
You must change the “user code” and the “pass code” you use to access the settings of your modem. Some modems only allow the pass code to be changed. If the pass code is not defined previously, first of all it must be set. If the pass code so set is not easily guessable, it will increase your security. You can access information on the settings of your modem through the user’s guide or your dealer.
Change the general network name (SSID) of your modem.
Manufacturers supply users with all modems under the same network name (SSID). People desiring to use your modem unauthorizedly need to know the network name of your modem (SSID). Changing the network name of your modem will increase your security. Some modems are likely to allow no such a change.
Activate encryption.
Activate WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) / WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security protocol. We recommend you to use WPA2 security protocol, the securest level today, on your modem if possible. Some modems may not support WPA2 or problems may occur in activating it on the modem. If your modem supports only WEP or WPA, selecting pre-shared key a long pass code as unguessable as possible will increase your security.
Turn on MAC address filtering.
To prevent devices from connecting your wireless network at home or office, turn on the MAC (Media Access Control) address filter of your computer by defining such address to the modem. So you prevent other computers from connecting to your modem on wireless network.
Position your modem at or near a central place in your house.
Placing your modem exactly in the center of your house rather than the window or the balcony edges is the most significant factor to reduce signal transmission around your house. If your house is narrow or has a structure providing ease for signal transmission, you may downgrade signal and minimize perceptibility by keeping the mini antenna of your modem downward. In addition please keep your modem turned on if you are not to use it for a long time.