General Network Security Guidelines - Cisco RV180 Administrator's Manual

Configuring the Wireless Network (Cisco RV180W)
A Note About Wireless Security
Cisco RV180/RV180W Administration Guide
• Enable encryption
Encryption protects data transmitted over a wireless network. Wi-Fi
Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) and Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP)
offer different levels of security for wireless communication. Currently,
devices that are Wi-Fi certified are required to support WPA2, but are
not required to support WEP.
A network encrypted with WPA/WPA2 is more secure than a network
encrypted with WEP, because WPA/WPA2 uses dynamic key
encryption. To protect the information as it passes over the airwaves,
you should enable the highest level of encryption supported by your
network equipment.
WEP is an older encryption standard and may be the only option
available on some older devices that do not support WPA.
• Keep wireless routers, access points, or gateways away from exterior walls
and windows.
• Turn wireless routers, access points, or gateways off when they are not
being used (at night, during vacations).
• Use strong passphrases that are at least eight characters in length.
Combine letters and numbers to avoid using standard words that can be
found in the dictionary.

General Network Security Guidelines

Wireless network security is useless if the underlying network is not secure. Cisco
recommends that you take the following precautions:
• Password protect all computers on the network and individually password
protect sensitive files.
• Change passwords on a regular basis.
• Install anti-virus software and personal router software.
• Disable file sharing (peer-to-peer). Some applications may open file sharing
without your consent and/or knowledge.
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