Sometimes called Wi-Fi or 802.11 (after the standard), wireless networks are now very much part of our everyday lives. Used for laptops, security devices, games consoles and a whole multitude of other things – it makes communicating easy.

Wireless is based on a simple radio signal, intended to be easy to connect to company networks, email and the Internet.  This also means it is easy for outsiders to do the same, anybody within radio range can, in theory, listen or transmit data on your network.

It is not technically difficult to secure your wireless network, however the procedure varies depending on what manufacturer you’re working with. Here are 7 simple tips for securing your wireless network.

1. Only use access points rather than ad-hoc or peer-to-peer networks.
2. Change the name of your wireless network to something other than the default setting, and for maximum value, to something that doesn’t identify your organisation.
3. If possible and if your equipment will let you, restrict wireless access to the times that it is likely to be used (i.e. office hours).
4. Every wireless network card has a unique code called a MAC address, not to be confused with a broadband migration code. If feasible, restrict wireless access to just the MAC addresses of your own wireless equipment.
5. Use wireless encryption to prevent eavesdropping.
6. Restrict the ability to setup ‘quick and dirty’ wireless networks within your organisation, even temporary ones. One rogue access point can undo all the good work you do on the others.
7. Make sure all of your other security measures – strong passwords etc – are in place, providing a second line of defence against intruders.

Bespoke Computing Ltd is pretty good with wireless networks; they have successfully delivered many networks to clients of varying sizes, the smallest being simple wireless broadband in the home and  the largest being a school of 500 students.

If you would like to know more about wireless security, or would like our assistance securing your wireless network then why not give us a call on 0845 004 3025.