• Change the defaults. Wireless routers come with a preset administrator password and SSID (network name). These are usually the same for all routers of that model, so it’s common knowledge to hackers. A hacker can use that info to change your WAP settings or connect to your network.
• Turn off SSID broadcasting. SSID broadcasting makes your network visible to anyone in the area who has a wireless-equipped computer. Turning it off doesn’t hide it from WLAN “sniffers” but it does keep the neighbors from knowing you have a wireless network.
• Turn on MAC address filtering. This allows only computers whose MAC addresses have been entered by the router administrator to connect to the network. It’s not foolproof since some hackers can spoof MAC addresses, but it provides a layer of security.
• Assign static IP addresses to your wireless clients and turn off DHCP, so that unauthorized persons who try to connect won’t automatically get an IP address.
• Use encryption. And use WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption instead of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). For instructions on how to configure WPA in XP, see:

  Improve the security of your wireless home network with Windows XP

These types of locations are rapidly growing and provide temporary Internet connections to visitors. They offer a convenient way to use your own computer to connect to the Internet at little cost to the business owner. These wireless connections, since they are “public” are not configured with the security and encryption protection that a normal private network should have. In these locations, it is possible for anyone with the correct hardware and software to eavesdrop on the wireless broadcasts that are taking place and steal usernames and passwords.

Maybe you want to get your email, have a cup of coffee and read your messages. The best methods in this case are to refrain from using your usual email client program (such as Outlook Express, Eudora, etc.) and instead use your Internet provider’s Web mail application. These web-based applications will allow you to access your own email accounts without using a resident client program. They are provided with each Internet service and almost always operate under a SSL (secure sockets layer) secured connection. You can verify that you are on a SSL secured connection by the small padlock symbol shown by your browser. This means that the connection provided is encrypted and is much more secure. Never provide sensitive personal information without being positive the web site uses a SSL connection.

Wireless routers are configured through a browser such as Internet Explorer. First, you need to connect your wireless router to a computer with a Network Interface Card (NIC). Connect the router from one of it’s LAN ports to your computers Network Interface Card using a RJ-45 cable.

Open your Internet browser. To communicate with the router, you’ll need its IP address. You can find this in your manual under a heading like "configuration setup" or "manual configuration." Most routers, for example, have an IP address like 192.168.0.1. Type it directly into your Internet browser’s address bar. You’ll then be prompted for a user name and password. These will also be listed in your manual.

Now, you’ll see your router’s configuration tool. It looks like an ordinary Web page. Most new wireless routers have a network configuration wizard. Just follow the steps in the setup wizard. The wizard will detect whether you are using broadband cable or DSL. Each one requires a different configuration, (for example DSL uses PPoE authentication), however the setup wizard will walk though all the steps. It’s really that easy.

Wireless routers default settings disregard security. That’s because low security makes them easy to install, but you need change your router’s settings to add security. Different routers put these settings under different menus. You should be able to find each without trouble. You need to change the default settings.

• Change the default administrator’s password
• Change the default SSID (Short for service set identifier. An SSID is also referred to as a network name because essentially it is a name that identifies a wireless network)
• Disable SSID broadcasting

The best way to protect your wireless network is through encryption. Use WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) for your encryption setting. All new wireless routers support this standard. You’ll typically see this setting as WPA-PSK (pre-shared key). You’ll be prompted to enter a passphrase of eight to 63 characters-letters, numbers and symbols. The router will use your passphrase to build an encryption key. WPA is a safe version of encryption. The only weak point of WPA is your passphrase. So make it as strong as possible. Here are some tips:

• Use at least 20 characters.
• Avoid words found in a dictionary.
• Include letters, numbers and symbols.

Now your router is switched to use WPA encryption. But your computers don’t yet know what you’ve done. You’ll have to update them with the new setup. Here’s what to do for each computer you’ve got on the network. For Windows XP follow these steps.

Click Start – Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click Wireless Network Connection. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. Select the Wireless Networks tab. Under “Preferred networks”, click the Add button. In the box labeled “Network name (SSID)”, enter your network’s name.

Under Network Authentication, select WPA-PSK. Under “Data encryption”, select TKIP. Under “Network key”, enter the same passphrase you used for your router. You’ll have to enter it twice to confirm it. Then make sure that the checkbox labeled “The key is provided for me automatically” is not marked. Finally, click OK.

And that’s all there is to it. Encryption makes your network a less attractive target for hackers. And if your neighbors were using your Internet service, they’ve just lost their connection.