Securing Your Wireless Network: Don’t Rely on Default Settings
Most wireless routers and gateways come with default settings that do not adequately protect your internal network or the data transmitted by devices like laptops. Older security protocols, such as WEP, are outdated and can be easily compromised using free software available online.
Fortunately, many routers manufactured in the last two years offer significantly improved security features. However, these settings may not be enabled by default and often require manual configuration. Even older routers can provide better security than WEP, but they also need to be set up correctly.
To secure your wireless connection, consult your manufacturer’s instructions for the best practices. Gartner Technology recommends using WPA-PSK or WPA2 Personal with TKIP. You can find these options in the wireless configuration settings of your router.
Additionally, remember to change the default administrator password, as this information is widely accessible online. Taking these steps will help safeguard your network and protect your sensitive data.