Summary

Wireless networks are extremely beneficial, but you must take some simple steps to protect them. Failing to take the steps in this chapter is the equivalent of locking the front door and leaving all windows and back doors unlocked and standing open. It is pretty easy (and so critical) to add appropriate security. Here’s a quick checklist to refer to:

• Change the password on the wireless router from the default (for example, admin).

• Change the SSID from the default (for example, linksys) to a random series of lower- and uppercase letters and numbers.

• Enable WEP or WPA encryption on the wireless router and all wireless network adapters. Use the strongest encryption level that all devices support.

• Use a WEP or WPA passphrase that is a random series of lower- and uppercase letters and numbers.