How to Secure a Wireless Network
How to Secure a Wireless Network The following tips can help secure a Wi-Fi network against unauthorized access. Consult the owner’s manual that came with your wireless router for specific instructions on performing the following steps. Manuals are often available on the manufacturer’s website. At the bottom of this page you will find links to product manuals from some of the most popular manufacturers, and links to how-to videos produced by the Federal Trade Commission. 1. Turn Encryption On Turning on your wireless router’s encryption setting can go a long way toward securing your network. Wireless routers often come out of the box with the encryption feature disabled, so be sure to check that encryption is turned on shortly after you or your broadband provider installs the router. Note that there are different types of encryption. “WPA2” currently is the most effective standard. Another common standard, “WEP”, is less secure, and therefore is not recommended. To turn on enc...