Wireless router security is very important because most of us carry out e-commerce transactions over the Internet. So that your router is not hacked into, you will have to take the appropriate steps mentioned in this story.
When one uses the Internet, security is the most important aspect of any browsing experience. Router is a networking device which behaves as an interconnection between two or more computer networks. It also interchanges data packets between the networks.
Each of the data packet which is exchanged contains information about the address that is used to determine the source and destination of the packet, so that the router can determine if both the source and destination exist on the same network, or if the data has to be transferred over another network.
Steps to be Followed
The first step is to change the default administrator username and password. It is better to reset both of these to something obscure, which will make it difficult for the hacker to get passed.
However, you will have to ensure that you make a note of the new username and password somewhere, so that in case you have to reset the settings, you will have the changed username and password available.
The next step is to change the WPA or WEP encryption. You will have to choose the strongest form of encryption so that the router is secure. To secure the WEP, you will have to make changes in the 'Security' tab of the main router page. Choose WEP and then give it a password.
After WEP, the next step is to change the default SSID. It is recommended that the default SSID be changed immediately. At the same time, you will have to disable SSID broadcast, as the network is broadcast after regular intervals.
The SSID broadcast feature is necessary while one is on the move. However, when you are using the network at home, this feature is not necessary, therefore should be disabled.
The MAC address or the physical address should be enabled, as it keeps a track of the MAC addresses of all the devices which connect to the network. It is also recommended that static IP address be assigned to the device. Normally dynamic IP addresses are assigned. You will have to turn off DHCP on the router.
You will want to use a private IP address, so that your computer cannot be directly reached from the Internet. Firewalls should be enabled on the computer as well. If you are not going to use your network for an extended period of time, you will want to turn it off.