For me, a wireless router provides the ultimate in freedom and flexibility for accessing the internet from home. It allows me to use my laptop anywhere in my house, and also lets me share my internet connection with the rest of my family. Millions of people have a wireless network set up in their homes these days, but unfortunately most don’t take the time to configure any type of security on their wireless routers.
When a wireless router or access point is set up and left in its default “unsecured” state, anyone within range can gain access to your wireless network. What an intruder will do with this access depends on his/her skill and intentions….
Bandwidth Thieves
The most common thing that intruders do when they access your wireless internet connection is steal your bandwidth while they use your internet connection. Most wireless routers have a range of 300 feet or less (depending on walls and other obstacles). If your neighbors are close enough, they may avoid paying for their own internet connection and use yours for free.
If you are experiencing very slow internet performance while using a wireless network, the reason may be that someone is “sharing” your network with you. To verify this, turn off all your computers and check the LED activity lights on your wireless router. If they are blinking like crazy, someone is probably using your wireless network.
Computer Hackers
If you have file and printer sharing enabled on your computer and are not using file security, an intruder can easily gain access to your computer by coming in through an unsecured wireless router. Depending on the security settings on your computer, he might be able to copy and delete files or plant dangerous keylogging software in an effort to steal personal information.
Pharming Attacks
It is possible for cyber criminals to access and modify your wireless router so that certain web page requests are sent to a “pharming” site, which is a copy of a legitimate website. Pharming sites are set up for the purpose of stealing your logon credentials and account numbers by making you think you are accessing an “official” website. Since the web page “redirection” is occurring through your wireless router, it happens “transparently” and goes undetected.
How to Secure Your Wireless Router
It is relatively simple to secure your wireless network connection by making a few configuration changes on the router. The first thing you need to do is access the router by opening a web browser and typing in its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1, but check your documentation to be sure). Once you are into the routers configuration page, here are some easy things to do to make it secure:
- Change the default password to something difficult to guess. Use at least 8 characters, and be sure to mix upper and lower case letters. Use at least two numbers or special characters. Do not use the same password that you use for other things – make it totally unique and “cryptic”. All routers have a built in “default” password that anyone can use. By changing it, you will keep out most intruders. Be sure to write down the password and keep it in a safe place.
- Disable the SSID Broadcast. By default, your wireless router’s ID is “broadcast” to every computer within range. By disabling this, other computers cannot “see” your wireless connection. If potential intruders cannot see you, you are much safer.
- Limit the Number of DHCP Users. If using DHCP (this allows your router to give out IP addresses), limit the number of DHCP clients that are allowed on your network. Set this to equal the number of computers used in your house. This will help prevent intruders from easily gaining access to your wireless network.
