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Router Security - The Simple Solution |
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Written by Hambaba
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Wednesday, 18 April 2007 |
 Everyday the latest wireless security threat makes the news
and explain the new methods and modes to breach our wireless network.
While the claims are, undoubtedly, valid - there's a simple solution
which should take care of a majority of hackers. Here's how:
1. Change the default user name and password of the router.
Based
on an article by Technology review , "50% of home users
with a broadband Internet router either opted for the default or didn't
have a password at all." So instead of admin as the default username,
change it to something unique like copythisbigmama
2. Next, we must Encrypt our networks!
There are several options out there, the most common being WPA (Wi-Fi
Protected Access) and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). If your router
supports WPA it's strongly advised that you utilize this method instead
of WEP. WEP only scrambles the data that moves over your wireless
network while WAP is a newer, more secure protcol allowing more complex
password phrases. We got plenty of ideas for pass phrases;)
3. Don't forget the firmware upgrade.
Firmware is the software that operates your router. Like any other pack
of codes for the zillion programs out there, there will be updates and
patches to accommodate the latest security issues. It's highly
recommended that you check for updates or if your router has the
option, to have updates automatically install.
4. Turn off UPnP.
UPnP (universal plug and play) allows your wireless setup to
self-configure on a network, which is a complete security hazard. There
are several viruses in the nether realm of the internet that can abuse
exploit UPnP to open a hole in your router's firewall. Of course, that
is not a good thing. UPnP, however, is a great option so use it only
when you need it.
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