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Wireless Security Guide


Author:  Artiom Bell
Date:  2008.04.17
Topic:  Other
Provider:  Linksys
Manufacturer:  Linksys






Wireless Security Guide

TechwareLabs Wireless

Introduction to Wireless

"Hu" or the "Human Element" refers to Cisco's introduction into new age of information and communication through the internet and networking. This new age has brought forth many advantages and solutions to today's communication needs. With the coming of revolution more and more people decide to go wireless because it is more convenient and "secure", or so they think. Well there is no question about it being more convenient, but is it as secure as people claim it is? Read this guide about some of the holes in security of most networks and some easy steps that you can take to improve the security of the wireless connection in your home.

Say you have just bought your router along with your new computer that you are planning on using for your small home based business. You set everything up just as your Internet Service Provider (ISP) tells you and think you are ready to go. In general ISPs just provide you with an internet service and are not suited to provide you with tech support for your Local Area Network (LAN). In some cases ISPs agree to provide tech support at an additional price per month and you have to use the routers they give you. These routers are not necessary, as you can purchase your own that would be just as, or even more secure.

Hole 1 - Administrative Password

Netgear Linksys
Default,
User Name: Admin
Password: Password

Default,
User Name: Admin
Password: Admin

Administrative passwords are used to secure your router so that no one would be able to access your router's setup and play around with it. Before you go to any web site on the internet, type in the default network location into your internet browser window. For most router this address is "192.168.1.1". If it isn't it for your router, then you should look for it in the user manual that came with your router. Once there a security screen will pop up and ask you for a user name and password. The default for most routers would be something like "admin" for the user name and "1234","admin", or "password" for the password. If upon installation you do not set these then anyone with this general knowledge will be able to access both your router as well as your information.

Netgear Linksys

 

The procedure of changing your wireless network password as well as your router log in and password is very easy and can be done very quickly, however, the benefits that those changes bring are exceptional. Now, instead of anyone being able to access your network and play around with your information, it would take a hacker to so, which are much less in number than your "average joe's".

 

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