In recent years, wireless networking has advanced in terms of accessibility, price, and convenience of use.
Wireless technology is becoming more popular among residential users. Free wifi networks are frequently available to laptop users on the go in locations like coffee shops and airports.
You should be aware of potential security risks if you use wireless technology or are thinking about switching to it. This essay identifies those risks and describes the precautions you should take to use wireless technology both at home and in public.
Threats of Wireless Technology
Hackers may get access to your Wi-Fi network using a variety of methods. They may be able to access your personal information, install spyware, or even get access to your financial accounts if they are successful.
Here are several ways hackers might get access to your Wi-Fi network:
Piggybacking
This happens when unauthorized access is logged into your network; often, this is accomplished by password guessing or cracking.
Piggiebackers typically use this network connection to get free Internet. However, occasionally they use it to get access to your personal information, steal it, spy on you, and even infect your device with malware.
Evil twin attack
Usually, this kind of threat is connected to public Wi-Fi. The hacker impersonates a legal wireless network and sets up his own. They deceive users into connecting to their signal instead of the genuine one by using a stronger one.
After that, the hacker has the ability to intercept all data transmitted between your device and the Internet, including passwords to other accounts you have access to on your device and sensitive information.
Wireless sniffing
Is there no password on your WiFi because it’s simpler? If so, wireless sniffing may put you in danger. Cybercriminals employ hacking tools to identify networks that are easily accessible and lack protection or encryption. It’s the equivalent of a criminal trying car doors on the street, only on the internet.
Rogue access points
A rogue access point is another type of Wi-Fi threat that arises when a hacker deceives a victim into downloading software that establishes a new, covert access point on their network. It would be the same as them building a covert entrance to your home through which they may enter covertly and pilfer goods.
Protecting Information When Using Home Wireless Technology at
Wireless networking carries a number of serious security threats, but there are steps you can do to protect it. The next sections provide an explanation of these steps.
- Make Your Wireless Network Invisible
Computers with wireless capabilities can detect the existence of wireless access points. We call this kind of communication “identifier broadcasting.” Identifier broadcasting is preferable in certain circumstances. An internet cafe, for example, would leave identifier broadcasting on so that patrons could quickly locate its access point.
But only you really need to know that your house is equipped with a wireless network. You can disable identifier broadcasting on your access point by following the instructions in the user manual to make your network invisible to outsiders. (This is known as “creating a closed network” in Apple wireless networking.)
Although “security through obscurity” of this type is never 100% reliable, it is a good place to start when it comes to protecting your wireless network.
- Rename Your Wireless Network
There is a default name assigned to many wireless access point devices. The term “service set identifier” (SSIS) or “extended service set identifier” (ESSID) refers to this name. Many manufacturers utilize default names, which are well-known and can be exploited to enter your network without authorization. It’s important to pick a name for your network that will make it difficult for outsiders to determine what it is.
- Encrypt Your Network Traffic
You ought to be able to encrypt data traveling between your computers and your wireless access point device. You can change wireless traffic into a code that only computers equipped with the right key can decipher by encrypting it. See the US-CERT Cyber Security Tip “Understanding Encryption” at http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-019.html for additional information regarding encryption.
- Change Your Administrator Password
Most likely, a default password was included when your wireless access point equipment was shipped. Many manufacturers provide default passwords that are well known and can be exploited to enter your network without authorization. A long password that solely includes alphabetic characters (#, $, and &) and leaves out personal information such as your birthdate should be your new administrator password. Make sure you set a password if your wifi access point doesn’t have one already to protect your device.
- Use File Sharing with Caution
You should turn off file sharing on your PCs if you don’t need to exchange directories and files over the network. You might want to think about making a special file sharing directory and moving or copying files to it. Furthermore, make sure that everything you share is password-protected. Choose a long password that excludes personal information like your birthdate and incorporates non-alphanumeric characters like #, $, and &. Never share files from a whole hard drive.
- Keep Your Access Point Software Patched and Up to Date
The company that made your wireless access point may occasionally issue software updates or bug-fixing patches. Check the manufacturer’s website often for software updates or patches for your device.
- Examine the Wireless Security Options Offered by Your Internet Provider
Your internet service provider may give you with advice on how to keep your home wireless network secure. Visit the customer service area of your provider’s website or contact them.
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the most common threat to Wi-Fi networks? Weak passwords are the most frequent danger to wireless networks. The vast majority of individuals use passwords that are easy for hackers to decipher or break, allowing them rapid access to networks. How can I make my Wi-Fi network more secure? Creating a strong password, changing the admin password, encrypting wireless traffic, setting up a guest network, and shutting off Wi-Fi when not in use are all methods to improve Wi-Fi network security. You may also deactivate remote access and your Service Set Identifier (SSID) for more protection. What is the difference between the Wi-Fi password and the admin password? To join to your wireless network, devices must have the Wi-Fi password. The admin password, on the other hand, allows you to access the router’s settings page and adjust the network setup. Both must be strong and different in order to provide the best degree of security. Previous Post: How To Adjust A UPVC Door |
