Wi-Fi networks allow multiple devices to access internet simultaneously. The moment a relative or friend drops in at your place, they tend to ask your Wi-Fi password. You may boast of high speed, amazing internet connectivity & range but an important factor that we all generally miss is the security.

Your wireless network can become host to various vulnerabilities and threats. So, it is extremely important to take all necessary steps to secure your home wireless network.

Potential Threats To Your Home Wireless Network -

• Loss of Sensitive information, credentials and logins
• Network Intrusion
• Data Interception
• Bandwidth Stealing
• Financial losses owing to loss of confidential information

Here We Have Listed Certain Ways To Secure Home Wireless Network -

Change The Name Of Your Wireless Network – Simple and easy Wi-Fi network names can pose a serious threat. Often, we do not change the network name of router which has model name and other details in it. One must change it as this will prevent hackers from knowing the type of router you have. Otherwise, they would easily be able to discern the manufacturer of the router and also type of vulnerabilities the model is associated with.

Set Up A Unique Password – Setting up passwords as simple as your name or date of birth is an open invitation to hackers. They can easily guess and exploit it for their personal benefits. So make sure that the password you set has at least 20 characters and is formed using a combination of alphabets, numerals and symbols.

Placement Of Router – It is highly beneficial to place the router somewhere close to middle of the house. This will not only ensure that you get the wireless signal in all the rooms but also make sure that the signal range does not reach outside your house. This will prevent any fraudulent use of your network data.  Also if you are not using the wireless network overtime then it is advisable to disable it for that time being.

Update Your Router’s Software – It is important to regularly update your router’s software for security reasons. This will help you avoid unpatched vulnerabilities.

Filter On Mac Addresses – Devices that are connected to the wireless network have a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. So you must always change the router settings and physically type in MAC addresses of only those devices that you wish to allow on the network.

Some Other Ways –

• Do not broadcast the name of the network
• Enable encryption
• Double up the layer of firewall
• Turn Off Guest Networks
• Set up a strong administrator password
• Reduce the range of Wi-Fi signal

For more information about IT security, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

Effective computer networking can help to streamline things at the workplace, improving connectivity between different computer systems, while also boosting efficiency through shared auxiliaries such as printers, fax machines, scanners etc. Such a network can either be wireless or wired, depending on various factors such as the number of computers, the budget, and the type of networking desired. The following tips guide you on how to plan both wireless and wired computer networks for your office-

• Ensure that the wireless router is placed at a location that is central to all the wireless users. This reduces the chances of broken range, as well as external attacks.

• It is a good idea to change the password of the router immediately when you receive it, since the preset passwords, are usually predictable and easy to guess for hackers.

• When it comes to a wireless network, it is increasingly important to protect your network using a complex encryption code. This code must be entered on all computers in the network, to ensure limited user access to the internet service as well as company data.

• In case of a wireless network with a large number of computers, you might need to extend the signal of the router using a network cable that connects additional computers to access points around the office.

• When choosing between wireless and wired networks, remember that the connectivity of the latter is a lot better in terms of signal strength. However, wireless networks are the preferred option where workstations need to be set up in places where cable connectivity is not possible.

• When installing cable routing, pay special attention to the proximity of these cables to other wires and cables in office.

• Think ahead while planning network topography in a wired network. Also remember to keep the number of switches to each user minimal, to maximize network efficiency.

• It is a good idea to have a centralized backup server to which each computer is periodically updated.

• Before installing a router for your wired network, you should ask your provider if it supports VoIP. With the increasing popularity of this business phone system, you want to be able to install it at any point that you wish to.

Centex Technologies is a leading IT Support and Computer Networking Company providing computer network installation and support services to its clients across Central Texas including Dallas and Killeen.