One of the biggest issues with a Wi-Fi network is security. Compare and contrast

Question

One of the biggest issues with a Wi-Fi network is security.

Compare and contrast some of the options or technologies available to secure a Wi-Fi network. What are the benefits of using each of these technologies? Be specific and provide details.

Do you employ these in your own home Wi-Fi network? If not, why?

Are these technologies able to provide 100% security to your Wi-Fi network? Are there still holes? Can you think of a scenario where, even after using these technologies, somebody who wanted to hack into your network can still do it? How can they do it?

Explanation / Answer

There are many technologies available to secure your Wi-Fi network. Some of the technologies that can be used are following-

1. Change Default Administrator Passwords (and Usernames)- At the core of most Wi-Fi home networks is an access point or router. To set up these pieces of equipment, manufacturers provide Web pages that allow owners to enter their network address and account information. These Web tools are protected with a login screen (username and password) so that only the rightful owner can do this. However, for any given piece of equipment, the logins provided are simple and very well-known to hackers on the Internet.

2. Turn on (Compatible) WPA / WEP Encryption- All Wi-Fi equipment supports some form of encryption. Encryption technology scrambles messages sent over wireless networks so that they cannot be easily read by humans. Several encryption technologies exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally you will want to pick the strongest form of encryption that works with your wireless network. However, the way these technologies work, all Wi-Fi devices on your network must share the identical encryption settings. Therefore you may need to find a "lowest common demoninator" setting.

3. Change the Default SSID- Access points and routers all use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers normally ship their products with the same SSID set. For example, the SSID for Linksys devices is normally "linksys." True, knowing the SSID does not by itself allow your neighbors to break into your network, but it is a start. More importantly, when someone finds a default SSID, they see it is a poorly configured network and are much more likely to attack it. Change the default SSID immediately when configuring wireless security on your network.

4. Enable MAC Address Filtering- Each piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier called the physical address or MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. Many such products offer the owner an option to key in the MAC addresses of their home equipment, that restricts the network to only allow connections from those devices. Do this, but also know that the feature is not so powerful as it may seem. Hackers and their software programs can fake MAC addresses easily.

5. Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks- Connecting to an open Wi-Fi network such as a free wireless hotspot or your neighbor's router exposes your computer to security risks. Although not normally enabled, most computers have a setting available allowing these connections to happen automatically without notifying you (the user). This setting should not be enabled except in temporary situations.

6.Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices- Most home networkers gravitate toward using dynamic IP addresses. DHCP technology is indeed easy to set up. Unfortunately, this convenience also works to the advantage of network attackers, who can easily obtain valid IP addresses from your network's DHCP pool. Turn off DHCP on the router or access point, set a fixed IP address range instead, then configure each connected device to match. Use a private IP address range (like 10.0.0.x) to prevent computers from being directly reached from the Internet.

7.Position the Router or Access Point Safely- Wi-Fi signals normally reach to the exterior of a home. A small amount of signal leakage outdoors is not a problem, but the further this signal reaches, the easier it is for others to detect and exploit. Wi-Fi signals often reach through neighboring homes and into streets, for example. When installing a wireless home network, the position of the access point or router determines its reach. Try to position these devices near the center of the home rather than near windows to minimize leakage.

8.Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use -The ultimate in wireless security measures, shutting down your network will most certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in! While impractical to turn off and on the devices frequently, at least consider doing so during travel or extended periods offline. Computer disk drives have been known to suffer from power cycle wear-and-tear, but this is a secondary concern for broadband modems and routers.

No, I don't employ these technologoies in my home Wi-Fi as I hadn't much knowledge about them. Now I would use any of the above technology to prevent my Wi-Fi from accessing by others.

Well, even if using some technologies somebody can still hack into my network like if my password is a dictionary word or if he can crack the MAC address filtering then he can access my network.

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