A. Change the default SSID
B. Disable SSID Broadcasts
C. Change the default password for the Administrator account
D. Enable MAC Address Filtering
E. Change the SSID periodically
F. Enable WEP 128-bit Encryption. Please note that this will reduce your network performance.
G. Change the WEP encryption keys periodically.

• Change the administrator's password regularly. With every wireless networking device you use, keep in mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your network administrator is the only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a hold of the administrator's password, the hacker can change those settings. So, make it harder for a hacker to get that information. Change the administrator's password regularly.
• SSID. Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. Hackers know these defaults and can check theses against your network. Change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use. Change your SSID regularly so hackers who have gained access to your wireless network will have to start from the beginning in trying to break in. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:
  • Disable Broadcast
  • Make it unique
  • Change it often
• MAC Addresses. Enable MAC Address filtering. MAC Address filtering will allow you to provide access to only those wireless nodes with certain MAC Addresses. This makes it harder for a hacker to access your network with a random MAC Address
• WEP Encryption. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is often looked upon as a panacea for wireless security concerns. This is overstating WEP's ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker's job more difficult. There are several ways that WEP can be maximized:
  • Use the highest level of encryption possible
  • Use a "Shared" Key
  • Use Multiple WEP keys
  • Change your WEP key regularly

Implementing encryption will have a negative impact on your network's performance. If you are transmitting sensitive data over your network, encryption should be used.

These security recommendations should help keep your mind at ease while you are enjoying the most flexible and convenient technology designed for today's home and business user.