We in the world of technology, using internet through Wifi access in personal and public area.
Information security and data privacy is
big concern now for everyone because we do not know how and from where our information
may leak and misuse.
Wi-Fi become essential as all family members are using it
for internet access for multiple reasons
The active device which bridge your access and internet
cable (service provider). The router could be combine equipment with wireless
(Wi-Fi).
Router, plays a role which is managing your internet access
with security and restriction as well. Hence if there is any loophole that may
leak your data and information. Hacker may easily steal data or misuse internet
facility.
3. Placing of router, gateway in house and office
One of the biggest safety point as your router physical
location must be safe and hidden. To avoid any physical damage, hard reset and
tempering of the device, power or its cable etc.
4. Default password change
Next, most of the times it is observed that after initial
installation and configuration people do not change default password which is
very vulnerable and threat for router access by hackers.
5. Default ip-address change
OEM has typical setup and ip address for setup and easy
installation; everyone knows the default ip address because it’s part of admin
guide itself. Therefor default ip address should be changed and
6. Hide
identity of Wifi
SSID (Wi-Fi identify) is
visible name of internet to which you are connecting devices. SSID should be hidden
means it should not be broadcasting. Visible can be attacked and hidden will
not be known. Hidden SSID will make you connect Wi-Fi manually that is one pain
for first time setup, after that your device connection itself from next
connection attempt.
7. Do Not use
common name to get identify- that’s your router
Your device name should be such that it will not reveal your
identity. Like if your name is Mike Goldman so you should not keep Mike or
Goldman in router’s identity.
8. MAC address
filter and restriction
Router allow you to filter MAC address which
restrict other to get into network. It is one of the good practice for network
security and information security.
9. Strong
password
After successful configuration for the first time you should
immediately change password. Keep password strong means at least 8 to 14 length
of complex password.
10. Wifi protocol – WPA
There are three security programs which support by Wi-Fi
routers. They are WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 you can choose one out of these. Higher WPA
program is better.
11. Off device
when not in use
In general observation, people keep their router, Wi-Fi dongle
ON which may attract cyber-attack and attempt for Wi-Fi security break because
of its availability. Its meaning is when
not required or going out you should switch off Wi-Fi devices, except CCTV
cameras.
12. Disable
remote access of router
For remote troubleshooting by default router’s access from
out to inside traffic is allowed through multiple ports which is not safe hence
it must be disabled after success configuration, installation.
13. Firmware
& software update
It is recommended to keep your device upto date like router,
computer, laptop and mobile, these are client device and any vulnerability may
harm the systems.
14 .Keep firewall ON to devices, router
Firewall safety is essential nowadays because it always keep
you protected from external attacks and unwanted harmful internet traffic. Firewall
could be part of anti-virus also.
15 .Client
devices update for patches – security and critical patches
Devices like Computer, Laptop and mobile etc which are
client for Wi-Fi access should be updated regularly and specially all critical
and security patches should be applied.
16. Office
premise protection
If Wifi is controller based, then it must be MAC filtered
and integrated with DHCP for better control. Extra authentication layer like AD
integration, RADIUS server based login will make environment more security and
robust.
Rogue AP should be avoided as that become weak entry points
for data leakage and information theft.
After all these steps and learning about Wi-Fi security parameters you please check and
comment which you already knowing and have implemented.
You'll also like:
Personal Identifiable Information (PII) security
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7epUTLAblk
You input, question and suggestion are welcome.
We learn
together and grow together.
Be Smart, Be Safe
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