You have wireless network for small business purpose but problem is that your wireless network is not secure. You want to make your wireless secure but you do not want to spend money more.



I have read one article, in which they have given 6 steps to secure your wireless network. So just, try these steps and secure your network



1) Hide your Network ID: Network on your computer gives you two-way conversation. Your network router is constantly sending a name known as Service set identifier. Wireless network is using the SSID name to connect the router. If anyone knows your SSID, then it is easy to connect with your router. So when you buy wireless, you get SSID name by default which is already used by thousands of customers. One thing you can do that change your default SSID name by unique name. The best thing you can do that tell to your router not to broadcast your SSID name to every router.



2) Use Encryption: Encryption will make your network safe. It would not allow people to come onto your network. You can two encryption standards to use:



a) Wireless Equivalent Protocol

b) Wi-Fi Protected Access



WEP is older and less secure than WPA, so it is better to use WPA. Set up your WPA according to your router.



3) Filter out MAC addresses: Every hardware network has a unique ID number named MAC address. Many routers will provide you certain Mac address onto your Internet. Therefore, it is better to ask your router to provide one Mac address and else to keep out.



4) Limit your IP addresses: When your computer is connecting to network your router provides you IP address, so that system can easily browse to Web. So allow certain number of IP address only.



5) Sniff out intruders: If you have taken every step to keep out wireless intruders, it may be possible you can slip anyone. So check them regularly and kick them out. It is better to use free program to monitor on wireless intruder.



6) Use firewall: Use firewall to protect your PC. The XP firewall comes by default, but it would not block outbound connection. The free version of ZoneAlarm available from from ZoneLabs, provides you excellent security.



Via: Information Week