Disable or Enable SSID Broadcasting to Restrict Access
Posted on 14th June 2021The use of wireless networks poses new challenges connected with the development of cybersecurity systems. Failure to pay proper attention to network security may result in the loss of confidential user information. Loss of access to useful resources and disks is possible in this case. There is also a risk of misrepresentation of information passing through the network and the introduction of fake access points.
Basic Ways to Protect Your Wireless Network
Wireless security methods can be classified on various grounds. First of all, there are methods of physical, technical, and software protection. Software protection is the most progressive. It, in turn, is divided into:
- Methods of restricting access;
- Authentication and encryption methods.
The hidden SSID mode is one of the effective methods of restricting access. Read below for important information about the SSID and how to enable/disable it.
SSID General Definition
SSID is the name of your wireless network. When you are trying to connect to a network via Wi-Fi, the SSID helps you find yours among all available networks. It is recommended to specify the SSID consisting of Latin letters and numbers. It allows avoiding incompatibility with the connected equipment. Create a name up to 32 characters long and make sure all wireless devices on the network have the same SSID. The default SSID is TP-LINK_XXXXXX (where XXXXXX is the last six unique digits of the device’s MAC address). This value is case-sensitive. For example, TEST is different from test.
What Is SSID Broadcasting?
SSID broadcasting is the option that allows you to make your network invisible to some applications. For example, such as standard Windows software. This option is enabled by default.
How to Enable and Disable SSID Broadcasting?
Leave or uncheck the checkbox to enable or disable the broadcast network name function. When enabled, wireless devices can search for your wireless network.
What Does It Mean to Stop SSID Broadcasting?
Hiding the SSID is considered one of the methods of protection. However, in practice, this is not an effective and rather theoretical method of protection. One of Microsoft’s experts, Steve Riley, said that the SSID is a network name, not a password. The wireless network has an SSID. This distinguishes it from other wireless networks nearby. The SSID was not designed to be hidden. Therefore, it cannot provide any protection for your network if it is hidden.
Disable SSID Broadcasting: Is This Method of Protection Reliable?
Pay attention that disabling the SSID broadcast is not a reliable measure to protect your wireless network from intruders. This is because the hidden network ID is very easy to find. This can be done by briefly scanning all available networks within range.
VPN as an Effective Way to Protect Your Network
A virtual Private Network (VPN) is a type of computer network. It uses technology to protect information on the open Internet. VPN is based on the use of shielding between networks and protection of network traffic by cryptographic methods. This technology is designed to connect trusted networks, nodes, and clients with each other through unsecured and open networks. The main functions of VPN include the following:
- Keeps the transmitted information safe from attackers. Cryptographic methods preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data;
- Reliably protects all internal segments of the network from external access;
- Allows to identify and authenticate all subjects and objects in the system.
Summing up all the above, it is worth noting the high reliability of VPN technology. It is usually recommended to use VPN in large corporate networks. Although, installation is easy even for the average user. Technology can be used as an additional means of network protection in combination with any wireless network security technology. VeePN is a specialized platform in this field. By contacting its specialists, you will reliably secure your wireless network.
