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Usernames and passwords: change the default administrator passwords and usernames for the access point or router. The defaults are well known to hackers on the Internet. Manufacturers provide Web pages that allow owners to enter their network address and account information.   [guest]

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Encryption: turn on encryption. All Wi-Fi devices on your network must share identical encryption settings.   [guest]

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SSID: change the default SSID. Access points and routers all use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers normally ship their products with the same SSID set.   [guest]

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Enable MAC Address Filtering: Each piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier called the physical address or MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. Many such products offer the owner an option to key in the MAC addresses of their home equipment, that restricts the network to only allow connections from those devices.   [guest]

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Disable SSID Broadcast: the wireless access point or router typically broadcasts the network name (SSID) over the air at regular intervals. This feature was designed for businesses and mobile hotspots where Wi-Fi clients may roam in and out of range. In the home this roaming feature is unnecessary, and it increases the likelihood someone will try to log in to your home network.   [guest]

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Don't auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks: connecting to an open Wi-Fi network such as a free wireless hotspot or your neighbor's router exposes your computer to security risks. Although not normally enabled, most computers have a setting available allowing these connections to happen automatically without notifying you (the user). This setting should not be enabled except in temporary situations.   [guest]

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Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices: Most home networkers gravitate toward using dynamic IP addresses. DHCP technology is indeed easy to set up. Unfortunately, this convenience also works to the advantage of network attackers, who can easily obtain valid IP addresses from your network's DHCP pool. Turn off DHCP on the router or access point, set a fixed IP address range instead, then configure each connected device to match. Use a private IP address range (like 10.0.0.x) to prevent computers from being directly reached from the Internet.   [guest]

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Firewalls: Ensure that your router's firewall is turned on. For extra protection, consider installing and running personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router.   [guest]

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Location of access point or router: if you place this device centrally, the extent of the signal being broadcast outside your home will not reach so far as it would otherwise.   [guest]

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Turn off the network: if not using it for extended periods of time.   [guest]

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