With many individuals and businesses connecting to the internet using wireless devices, and the reported cases of security breach and identity theft, having an awareness of wireless security measures to improve system security is a must. Many wireless users simply do not know that they are open and exposed to system penetration and bandwidth theft. Here are several suggestions to prevent your system from becoming a wireless hotspot.

(i) Change the password on your router. All routers come with preset service identifiers. Hackers are familiar with these protocols. You should change the password to something that is difficult to guess. Do not change the passwords to something as simple as my router which is easy to guess. You can rotate passwords frequently as an extra precaution.

(ii) Enable encryption. You should follow the encryption procedures provided by your routing device. WEP and WPA2 are the two preferred encryption measures with WPA2 the preferred and most up to date option. This technology encrypts traffic and scrambles it so that unauthorized third parties can’t make use of it throwing a spanner in the works for packet sniffers looking to procure sensitive details.

(iii) Keep a close check on remote access points. For companies that run web interfaces or remote system access points, security protocols should be established. Password access should be changed frequently.

(iv) Avoid using unsecured wireless hotspots in public locations. Malicious third parties frequently setup traps that are designed to route traffic through setups that are used to screen traffic with the intention of securing sensitive details.

(v) Always scrub all hardware that is sold or disposed of. This eliminates the chance that a third party can discover sensitive data or passwords that can be used for identity theft, financial crime or to gain access to corporate systems.

(vi) Use wireless security software. Whether you’re an individual or a corporation, this software has many benefits. A program such as Mcafee wireless home network security uses automatic security key rotation every three hours for encryption purposes. The software also secures your router and provides event logging and alert monitoring to scrutinize for terminals attempting to gain access. Institutions should consider more advanced software such a Manage Engine Wifi Manager.

Taking the time to plan and implement security measures prior to wireless use is the best way to protect yourself. A little extra time during setup is time well worth spent.