Having an insecure wireless network can cause a lot of problems for your internet safety. It is easily accessible to third parties and your internet speed also goes down. If you’re worried about slow downloading and browsing then maybe it’s because your neighbors are feasting on your wireless network. If you’re tired of this and have even tried putting a WEP password and failed then here is what you need to secure yourself.

wireless network

Firstly don’t secure your internet with a WEP password. It can be provide security against normal internet users but for hackers, even less-knowledgeable ones, can easily go through your personal content and keep a tap of whatever you’re doing so not only your privacy is targeted but personal details about your accounts and bank details can easily be accessed.

If you’re setting up a password for your wireless then use the WPA2 option rather than WEP. The benefit of this is that is used AES/CCMP encryption rather than the easily decoded WEP security. If you’re using WPA then there are two further options; WPA and WPA2. WPA2 is basically for house use and it requests a pre-shared key but this is also a good option for enterprises as this is difficult to penetrate into.

The enterprise mode in WPA2 is an internal extensive security mode that provided optimal security for wireless networks. This uses the help of an external server known as the RADIUS server and this is triggered by the 802.1X authentication. This external mode of security is more cost-advantageous for businesses rather than the internal home use. The best advantage of this enterprise mode is that although you can use passwords and keys for employees it is still not penetrable as the servers password is locked giving it double security from internal and external penetration.

After changing your security mode you need to consider your current security mode. If you want to check your security system then just click on the little network bars on your desktop screen and click on your network, you will be notified about your present security, if it’s WPA then you’re good to go but if its WEP then its advisable that you change this.

You could experience some problems with the WPA 2 security session. Currently produced Wi-Fi products are easily compatible with the WPA 2 security but those that are before 2004 do have issues with Windows compatibility. If you’re computer and the Wi-Fi product is easily compatible with the WPA 2 security then enable the WPA 2.

To do this enters your wireless router’s IP in your web browser. Once you’re done, a login page will open which will take you to your products control panel. On this page you will find a link called the “wireless security settings” and open that. In the wireless security setting clicks on WPA 2 security and adopt the AES encryption. Enter a Pre-Shared Key of your own choice and this consists of 8-63 alphanumeric characters. Think about a passkey that you will easily remember and note it down so you don’t forget it. Write whatever passkey you’ve chosen and click on apply changes.

When these changes are done you’re internet connection will be disabled and you can find your connection in the “available networks”. Click on your internet connection and you will be prompted towards writing the new Pre-Shared Key. Enter it and you will be able to access your internet connection.

By taking such simple measures you will be able to secure your wireless network and save your content from hackers and malware.