Do you know your wifi? - SSID and safety.
-compressed.jpg "Do you know your WiFi? SSID and safety")
SSID (Service Set Identifier) is simply the name of the WiFi networks. It represents the nearby WiFi networks. SSID is unique for every network. It makes wifi networks distinguishable.
For instance SSID could be something like these - •MyWetnerk, •Linksys-000; The Name showing the network you are connected is your SSID. Let's see more concepts about SSID wifi.
What is SSID?
SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, simply by that you can guess that it is Identifier, but whose? Answer is your WiFi.
The WiFi networks you are connected to surely have a name. That name is SSID.
There are variations in name of this SSID.
Home/office WiFi networks and Mobile Hotspot have custom names likes MyWifiNet, MyOffice5G, Myphone, etc whether as, for routers, printers and smart home equipments (like speaker, thermoset) there is already a unique SSID provided. However it can be changed by user preferences in some cases.
The SSID is the name of your WiFi network. It is crucial to make it unique and distinctive. Users Easily find and connect to their WiFi due to SSID name. Imagine if your device show the connections your neighbour have. How could you identify which network is yours and which is neighbour's if there were no SSID. The SSID is also crucial in security. You can always put a password on your WiFi and prevent others to use it.
How can I find my SSID?
For Smartphones (Android & iOS)
⇛Open your settings
⇛Go to Wi-Fi
⇛The network on the top is your SSID (In iOS this network is highlighted by a tick)
For Laptops and PC (Windows & Mac)
⇛Click on the WiFi icon (Lower-right corner in Windows Top-right corner in Mac)
⇛Your SSID will show with a checkmark
Towards enhanced security
You can't completely rely on your provider for Cybersecurity . You have to take some safety measures by yourself. First thing is you should change the default SSID name (if possible) and add a strong and secure password. By doing this you can prevent any misunderstanding of connecting to another network and a password will protect you from other using your network. You can add other encryptions for extra safety. It is important to secure your network as there is data related to your Bank details, private data, contacts, address, etc. You should also limit your activities when connected to a public network (cafe, airport, parks,etc).You cannot be careless with your network these days, can you?
How can I change my SSID
Changing the SSID (Service Set Identifier) on Smartphones and Computers are both same. It can be a little tricky but not exhaustive. Just follow the steps given below
⇛Access Your Router Settings:
•Open a web browser on your Windows computer.
•Enter your router's IP address in the address bar and press Enter. Common IP addresses for routers are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You can find your router's IP address in the router's manual or on a label on the router itself.
•You will be prompted to enter your router's username and password. This information is typically found on a label on the router or in the router's manual. Enter the credentials to log in.
⇛Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings:
•Once logged into your router's settings, look for the Wi-Fi settings or Wireless settings section.
⇛Change the SSID:
•In the Wi-Fi settings section, you should find an option to change the SSID or network name. It may be labeled as "SSID," "Wireless Network Name," or something similar.
•Enter your desired SSID (network name).
⇛Save Changes:
•After entering the new SSID, save the changes. This usually involves clicking a "Save" or "Apply" button in your router's settings.
⇛Reconnect Devices:
•Once you've changed the SSID, your Wi-Fi network will have a new name. You'll need to reconnect all your devices to the updated network using the new SSID and, if required, the Wi-Fi password.
How can I hide my SSID?
You know you can hide your SSID, but how? I will tell you. But hiding your SSID doesn't provide any safety enhancement that you should care. It only gives a minimal touch of security. On the other hand it gets a little bit difficult to connect to your network if you have hide your SSID. I will recommend you to use strong encryptions and strong password instead hiding your SSID.
If you still want to hide your SSID then do this. First access your router's web interface by opening a web browser, entering your router's IP address, and logging in with the provided username and password. Once inside the router settings, navigate to the Wi-Fi or Wireless section. Look for an option related to broadcasting the SSID, often labeled as "Broadcast SSID" or "SSID Broadcast." Disable or turn off this setting to stop your router from broadcasting the network name.
Common differences in SSID
Hidden SSID vs Broadcast SSID
Hidden SSID:- Hidden SSID also know as closed/cloaked SSID is a hidden network. Unlike others it does not show its name in the available network section. For a user to connect to a hidden SSID he have to give the name of connection and password to connect.
Pros
➣Forbid others to connect with your network.
➣Adding a layer of obscurity.
Cons
➣Incomplete security enhancement.
➣ Inconvenience in connecting.
Broadcast SSID:- Broadcast SSID is just opposite of hidden SSID as it shows (broadcast) its name in the available network list. Most WiFi devices use this by default, however it can be change to hide.
Pros
➣Easy to use and connects automatically.
➣High security based on strong encryption and passphrase.
➣Can be used with a wide range of devices.
Cons
➣Nearby devices and see your connection.
➣Security risks with weak encryption and passphrase.
Multiple SSID vs Single SSID
Multiple SSID:- Multiple SSID is the condition when you use many guest networks with restricted acces. The guest networks are seperated from the primary network. You can think of it as incognito tab.
Pros
➣Seperate all the network from the primary network.
➣Security settings are customisable for each network.
➣Traffic monitering for better network management.
Cons
➣Some routers doesn't support this feature.
➣Managing multiple SSID is exhaustive.
Single SSID:- Single SSID is the type of SSID we use in day to day life. This SSID contains one (single) connection. It is generally used at our homes, small business, cafe, etc. It is very easy to manage and easily accessible.
Pros
➣ It is easy to connect and manage.
➣ All devices support single SSID.
Cons
➣It is not isolated as multiple SSID.
➣You cannot create different networks.
Advance SSID settings
What can you do to make your SSID connection more secure and customised. Let me tell you some advance settings related to it. You can decide which one you want to go with.
VLan tagging:- This one is little important for your security as this setting allows you to create a seperate VLan tag assigned to your SSID that enhance your network security. It creates different virtual networks around a physical network.
Band Steering:- Band Steering helps users to maintain balance connection between clients. This feature allows two devices of 2.4GHz and 5GHz to connect with 5GHz band. It provides better speed and optimise network.
Client isolation:- This setting isolates or blocks different networks to interact together that means they cannot communicate with each other. For that the desired connection have to be connected with same SSID network. This is practised to enhance security and privacy.
Qos settings:- Qos stands for Quality of service. This allows the user to prioritise any specific application, program or device. The prioritised application or design gets benefitted on matters of speed and optimisation.
Load balancing:- Load balancing distributes different AP to different clients that makes their connection more smooth and secure. This also helps in prevent overloading of traffic on one AP
SSID scheduling:- you can schedule your connection to specific times of day. You connection will automatically be active on that specific time you have chose.
MAC Filtering:- You can create a whitelist or blacklist of specific MAC addresses (the unique hardware addresses of devices) that are allowed or denied access to the network.
WPA3 Encryption:- While not directly related to the SSID, using the latest encryption standard, WPA3, for your SSID provides advanced security features and protection against various attacks.
Best practices for SSID
When using your WiFi you should remember these things to be safe. Cybercrime is common these days. Everyone must implement these points to avoid getting tricked. You should chose unique and distinctive SSID and it should not be your full name or adress. Use strong passwords and put additional encryptions. The more encryption the more better. Use encryptions such as WPA3 for better security. Keep SSID broadcast and not hidden as it is more convenient and ensure firmware. Use seperate guest networks for other peoples.
Follow the advance settings I have told you and be safe. If you find my content informative please share it give Feedback.