Wireless networks (also known as WLANs or Wi-Fi networks) are everywhere, and you would be hard-pressed to buy a new laptop or router that is not wireless-enabled. This is because wireless networks are so handy for connecting to the Internet from anywhere, without cables.

Wireless networks are useful when you’re on the go. That’s why Cogeco has created Wi-Fi hotspots www.cogeco.ca/wifi areas where you can access the Internet through a wireless-enabled laptop – within its service area.

Just as wireless networks are convenient when you’re on the go more and more people are discovering wireless convenience at home and setting up personal home wireless networks.

To ensure your home wireless network is secure from unauthorized access consider the recommendations below. Note that Cogeco does not support wireless home networking so please visit your wireless equipment manufacturer for further assistance or support.

1. Change Default Administrator Passwords (and Usernames)
Most wireless equipment you will purchase, such as an access point or router, will require some initial setup configuration after you bring it up home. Most wireless equipment manufacturers let you configure your equipment via a web page, this configuration web page is protected with a login screen (username and password) so that only an authorized user can view or modify the configuration however some manufacturers use default username and passwords so it is very important you change these settings immediately.

2. Consider turning on wireless encryption
Most wireless equipment supports some form of wireless encryption. Encryption scrambles traffic sent over wireless networks to make it very difficult for an unauthorized individual to see the content of your traffic. Several encryption technologies exist for wireless home networks today, for example WPA, however not all manufacturers may support all encryption technologies – visit your wireless equipment vendor for further information on the encryption technologies they offer and what will work best in your home network.

3. Change the Default SSID
Wireless access points and routers all use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers typically set a default SSID for all their equipment, for example, the SSID for Dlink wireless devices is normally "dlink." While knowing the SSID alone doesn’t provide enough information for someone to break into your home network it can provide information you may not want broadcasted so consider this before naming your device. Additionally, sometimes when someone finds a wireless network with a default SSID such as “dlink” they may assume your network is insecure and attempt to connect to or attack it. It is recommended that you change the default SSID immediately when configuring your wireless network.

4. Disable SSID Broadcast
As explained in recommendation#3, your the wireless access point or router typically broadcasts a SSID. While broadcasting a SSID for a public wireless network, such as Cogeco’s Wi-Fi hotspots, may be a good idea you may want to disable this feature at home, if your wireless equipment manufacturer allows, to decrease the likelihood of someone trying to access your wireless home network.

5. Enable MAC Address Filtering
Each piece of wireless networking equipment, such as a wireless network card in your computer, has a unique identifier called the MAC address. Wireless networking equipment keeps track of the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. As an additional security feature some manufacturers let you configure your wireless network equipment to only let pre-configured authorized MAC addresses connect to your network – for example you could add your own MAC address but reject all others so your neighbour is unable to connect. While this step can add an element of protection note that there are applications and individuals that can often defeat this protective measure by spoofing their MAC address so it is not recommended to rely on MAC Address Filtering alone for securing your home wireless network.

6. Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the Router
Most wireless networking equipment contains built-in firewall capabilities, it is recommended you turn this option on. In addition to your wireless home network having a firewall it is still recommended that you consider installing and running personal firewall software on each computer connected to your  wireless network - remember that Cogeco offers Cogeco Security Services that includes a powerful Firewall.

7. Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use
If you are going to be away for an extended time and do not require wireless access in your home while you’re away consider shutting down your wireless network or, at least, temporarily turning off the wireless abilities of your router while you’re away – it will save electricity and maybe even your privacy!