Lock up your WiFi router!

I have been telling people for the past few years to lock up their WiFi networks and here is a perfect example of why: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/innocent-man-busted-for-child-porn-after-neighbour-leached-wifi-20110426-1dugz.html

Every time I warned people about securing their WiFi network, they would respond saying that there was nothing important on their network or their computers.  Well, I guess they were wrong.

There are a multitude of reasons for using someone else's network (hacking, illegal downloading, anonymous posting, sending spam, etc.)  Don't let these people get away with it.  Especially not on your network.  You may be personally liable for the activity that originates on your network.

So, how DO you secure your router and what security is appropriate?  Each router is different in how you setup security so I would advise you to download the manual for your particular router and follow the instructions.

As you go throughout the process of securing your WiFi network, you will be prompted to choose from several different types of security.  Always choose WPA2!  WEP is really a child's game to crack, and WPA has been shown to be reasonably crackable as well.  WPA2 encryption is the toughest encryption that you can get on a consumer-type device.  Remember to use a password that is at least 16 characters long and has upper and lower case letters and numbers.

If you have any devices that do not support WPA2, you have two viable options.  First, see if you can find a firmware upgrade for such device that enables WPA2 capability.  Second, stop using the WiFi capability of that device.

I hope that these tips will help you hacker-proof your WiFi network.