User guide

WVC200-210 User Guide 5
Wireless Security
Planning Your Wireless Network
Wireless Security
Linksys wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The current
generation of Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require
specific action on your part for implementation. So, keep the following in mind whenever you
are setting up or using your wireless network.
Security Precautions
The following is a complete list of security precautions to take (at least steps 1 through 5 should
be followed):
1. Change the default SSID.
2. Disable SSID Broadcast.
3. Change the default password for the Administrator account.
4. Change the SSID periodically.
5. Use the highest encryption algorithm possible. Use WPA if it is available. Please note that
this may reduce your network performance.
6. Change the WEP encryption keys periodically.
Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks
Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless network,
wireless networking products first listen for “beacon messages”. These messages can be easily
decrypted and contain much of the network’s information, such as the network’s SSID (Service
Set Identifier). Here are the steps you can take:
Change the administrator’s password regularly. With every wireless networking device you
use, keep in mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your
network administrator is the only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a
hold of the administrator’s password, he, too, can change those settings. So, make it harder for a
hacker to get that information. Change the administrator’s password regularly.
SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:
•Disable Broadcast
• Make it unique
• Change it often
NOTE: Some of these security features are available only
through the network router or access point. Refer to the
router or access point’s documentation for more
information.