Wifi security advice

Don't waste your time on ineffective security measures. Every now and then, I run across some technically deficient end user handing out free advice about security based on things overheard and half-understood. Generally, this advice is merely useless, though often enough it can be downright harmful. The single most common bit of bad advice I hear from such people with regard to wireless networking is the admonition that when connecting to a public wireless network, such as in a coffee shop, you should only connect if the network uses wireless encryption.

Sometimes these people get the advice half right, and recommend only connecting to networks protected by WPA -- it's half right only because WPA is the wireless encryption you should use, if you are going to use wireless encryption at all. There is no point in trying to "protect" yourself by connecting to a public access point only if it uses encryption, however, because the fact that the encryption key will be handed out to anyone that asks for it completely obviates the supposed protection you expect.

It's a bit like locking the front door of the house, but leaving a big sign on the door that says "The key is under the welcome mat," which only protects against illiterate burglars.

If you want your network to be available to everyone that walks onto the premises, just leave it unencrypted, and if you need to connect to the Internet in some public location, don't worry about encryption. In fact, if anything, the wireless encryption might more properly serve as a deterrent rather than an enticement to using that particular wireless network, because it reduces convenience without effectively improving security at all. Editor's Picks. The best programming languages to learn in Check for Log4j vulnerabilities with this simple-to-use script.

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Last Updated on 29 October Wireless security is a great option for homes and businesses. Location of Your Router Matters Routers can be considered an eyesore, which tempts many to hide them away in a cabinet or behind other items, but this can adversely impact the performance of your wireless network. When determining where to place your wireless router, consider the following: Can you see the router from where you are installing the security camera?

If not, that means the signal has to overcome various obstacles. Wall material — brick or concrete walls are a more significant barrier. Most obstructions to the wireless signal are near the ground. Avoid placing the router near metal surfaces such as mirrors and metal file cabinets. Objects made out of metal can obstruct the wireless signal.

Position your router at least 3 feet away from other appliances which send wireless signals to minimize interference. Examples of these appliances include microwaves and baby monitors. Many routers let you set up a guest network with a different name and password. Log out as administrator. If a hacker got into your administrator account, they could easily get into your network and devices. Protect your devices. Just as hackers can get to your data through unsecured networks, they can also get to your network through unsecured devices.

To find tips on locking down your devices, read about keeping your devices secure. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information. Search form Search.

Share this page Facebook Twitter Linked-In. Your home networks might have a range of wireless devices on them — from computers and phones to IP cameras , voice assistants , smart TVs, and connected appliances.

To ward off any brute-force attacks, WPA3-Personal users are protected more strongly than in the past from too many password-guessing attempts. WPA3-Enterprise users are able to access higher-grade security protocols in the form of authenticated encryption and key derivation and confirmation, among other measures. Wi-Fi management and security helps prevent unwanted users and data from harming devices connected to your network.

With the Fortinet Wireless Access Points , you get a full view of the network and devices that are accessing it. It integrates with the Fortinet Security Fabric, allows for cloud access point management, and comes with a dedicated controller.

The FortiGate Integrated Wireless Management system gives you an enhanced security solution that incorporates fewer components, making it a simpler solution. As a next-generation firewall NGFW , FortiGate provides full network visibility while automating protective measures and detecting and stopping more threats. Skip to content Skip to navigation Skip to footer. What Is a Wireless Network?

Security Issues in Wireless Environments. Denial of Service. Rogue Access Point. Passive Packet Capturing. Wireless Security Protocols. How Fortinet Can Help. Quick Links.