Rochak Chauhan::Unpredictably Exciting

Why make Wi-Fi network secure?

While investigating the recent bomb blasts in India, it was uncovered that terrorists of “Indian Mujahideen” used unsecured Wi-Fi networks to communicate with each other and planning there bomb blasts. Its very easy to blame Police and Government for their lack of vigilance, but it take character to acknowledge the fact even we are responsible for it. You, me and everyone who has an unsecured wifi network is or could be responsible for the blasts. So as one my duties as a citizen of India, I am explaining what is wifi network and how to make secure.

What is a Wi-Fi network?

Any computer network, which connects two more more wifi devices via a wifi router is termed as wifi network. In simple words, if you connect to internet via wifi router, then it simple means you are connected via a wifi network. It can be home, work or even a coffee shop.

How to make your Wi-Fi network secured?

1. Password protect your Wi-Fi Router Setup Wizard:
   • All router comes with an inbuilt setup wizard. All you have to do is type the Router IP in your browser. Commonly used IP by Routers is: http://192.168.8.1 You will see all sorts of settings and options in this wizard. However, you may be asked to authenticate via a username and password. Chances are by default there would be no password or a default (admin/admin) password setup by the manufacturer. So the very first step is to make sure this Router setup wizard or interface is password protected with a strong password. You can use strongpasswordgenerator or goodpassword to get yourself a very strong password.
2. Disable SSID broadcasting.
   • SSID or Service Set IDentifier, is responsible to display the name of your wifi network when ever a device scans for available networks. I would recommend you disable this feature after you are connected to all your wifi devices, or else you will go in the hidden mode and even your own devices will fail to connect to your router.
3. Enable WPA or WEP encryption.
   • In order to enable it, login to your router setup wizard. You can find this option user “Security” or “WAN Setup”. They both have same basic role, that is to authenticate every device when it tries to connect to the wifi router. However there is a functional difference between WPA and WEP security algorithm.
     • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): It would generate 4 password, and your devices needs to enter anyone of those during handshake. It is recommended for your normal office or work security.
       
     • WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key): It would generate a single password, which can be configured to expire after some predefined duration. It is good option for people who use internet for short periods only.
       
4. Define maximum number of devices:
   • This options comes into play when you know how many devices normally connect to the router. You can set the maximum limit, so that once all of the devices are connected and operational, no one else can connect to the wifi network.
5. Unshare the shared folder/drives:
   • When not is use, it is recommended that you unshare all the folder/shared whenever not in use. Otherwise, they may be used to store and run Trojan / Virus.
6. Turn off the router when not in use:
   • This will not only save you power, but make it virtually impossible for a hacker to use your internet conenction.

Please note, a serious hacker would not actually be deterred by all these measures, but it will make it hard for a novice hacker. If you have any query or need any consultancy to secure your wifi network secure, feel free to contact me via email or IM.