Here are some recommendations for securing your Wi-Fi Network:
- Enable wireless encryption on your wireless router: Use an encryption such as WPA or WPA2 (if possible). Avoid using WEP as it offers very little security over a non-secure Wi-Fi network.
- Ensure you have a strong password for access to your Wi-Fi network. Use a password that is complex and cannot be easily hacked. Strong passwords have more than 8 characters, and contain each of the following:
Uppercase letter
Lowercase letter
Number
Special character ($#%&+)
Hotel Environments: You may consider changing your password often to mitigate unauthorized use.
- Use anti-virus, anti-spyware software, and a personal firewall. Computers on a wireless network need the same protections as any computer connected to the Internet. Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keep them up-to-date.
- Change your wireless router’s pre-set password for administration. The manufacturer of your wireless router probably assigned it a standard default password that allows you to set up and operate the router. Hackers know these default passwords, so change it to something only you know. Reference #2 for strong password recommendations. Make sure you only manage your wireless router over a secure connection such as HTTPS.
- Use a captive Wi-Fi portal for access (hotel environment). Some locations require authentication not only through the wireless connection, but also through the browser, providing a pass code or by tying access to a specific customer name to access the internet.
