The Network Security. Org

How to use wireless router while still ensuring privacy

...there are things you can do to prevent others from using your wireless-access point to connect to the Internet. Fact is, if they can access your wireless-access point, sophisticated hackers may also be able to access your internal network and the data on your computers.

The first thing to do is to make sure that your wireless access point isn't advertising itself. Most access points by default send out their name so that wireless devices can see the access point is available and connect to it. If you disable the broadcast "station identifier," any user will have to know the name in order to connect to it (sophisticated hackers can get around this tactic, however). The exact steps required to disable the broadcast station identifier depend upon your specific wireless access point.

Next, change the name of the station identifier. Access points come with default names so that you can connect to them. Hackers know these default identifiers.

You can also set up the wireless access point to require encryption by all clients. That way, for a client to connect, it will need to have the correct encryption key. There are several types of encryption with varying degrees of security. The most simple types can be "cracked" relatively easily by hackers, so you'd need to change the keys frequently. Most access points currently support WEP, or Wired Equivalent Privacy, but this protocol is not particularly secure. WAP, or Wireless Application Protocol, is more flexible and secure, but it is not supported by all devices, particularly clients. The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: How to use wireless router while still ensuring privacy

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