Wireless home networks are easy to install, flexible, affordable, and are highly recommended. But these features result in security problems. For easy installments, many manufacturers turn off most security features. While most manufacturers have quick-start guides showing how to enable security, many people just do not bother checking this. The recommendations below outline some steps to improve your home wireless network security.

Change default administrator passwords and usernames

A router or an access point is the core of many Wi-Fi home networks. To set this up, manufacturers provide Web tools protected with a login username and password. However, the login screen provided is very simple and well-known to Internet hackers. You should change these settings as soon as possible.

Turn on WPA/WEP encryption

Wi-Fi supports numerous encryption technologies today. Of course, you will want to have the strongest encryption that works well with your wireless home network. But these technologies require that Wi-Fi devices on your network share the same encryption settings. It may be better to look for a "lowest common denominator" setting.

Change default SSID

Routers and access points use the SSID. Normally, manufacturers deliver the products with identical SSID set. Hackers see a default SSID a network poorly configured and they are more likely to attack the network. Thus it is important that you change the default SSID when configuring security on your wireless home network.

Enable the MAC address filtering

Every Wi-Fi gear has a special identifier called the MAC address or physical address. Routers and access points keep track of MAC addresses of the devices linked to them. You have an option to key in the MAC addresses of the home equipment, restricting the home network to only enable connections from those devices.

Disable automatic connection to an open Wi-Fi network

Connecting to open Wi-Fi networks like your neighbor's router or a free wireless hotspot brings security risks. While not usually enabled, many computers have a setting that allows automatic connection without notifying you. You should disable this setting except in temporary situations.

Turn on firewalls on the router and each computer

Today's network routers have built-in firewall capability, but you have the option to disable them. Make sure that you enable your router's firewall. For better protection, install and run personal firewall software on every computer that is connected to the router.