User Manual

INTRODUCTION

1.10 • 18.02.2011 11

1.1.4.1 How to Secure your Wireless Network

We have compiled some tips below to make unauthorised access to your WLAN

more difficult.

Change the password of the router or access point (very important).

These units are factory-set to a default password. If you do not change this

password anybody can re-conf

igure your router or access point.

b. Change the address range. Unless you have enabled DHCP (automatic IP

address allocation), changing the used address range provides additional

security as the default range no longer works.

c. Give your network a SSID name. This is the network name of your wireless

network. Change the pre-set name and enter another name.

d. Disable SSID broadcast. The router’s default setting enables broadcasting the

network name as this simplifies configuration (for instance in Window XP).

Unfortunately, this also makes your network visible in all WLAN-enabled devices. By hiding your

SSID, your network name is no longer sent out.

e. Enable MAC filtering. Many access points support access control by filtering

MAC addresses. Enable this access

control and enter the MAC addresses of allowed

network devices. Now the access point will only allow connections to your PC. Connection will

be denied to any other devices.

f. Enable WEP Encryption. Access points and Wireless LAN adapter labelled

with the WiFi logo can encrypt the transmitted data. Please note that WEP

encryption is not secure. Programs widely available on the Internet can capture

your data traffic and use this data to obtain the WEP key in a little while.

g. Disable File and Printer Sharing on your Windows PC. (This applies only if

you are not running a server and do not need to access other PCs over the

network). This stops unauthorised access to view or modify files on your PC.

h. Disable the Guest Account on your Windows PC.

i. Install a recommended antivirus program.

j. Install a personal firewall.

Please note that despite all these tips, the WLAN is not fully secure; however,

intruders will have a much harder job breaking into your network.

If you wish to operate your WLAN to a higher safety standard, please contact

an IT security consultant (such as a system house).