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[Z.K.]

I just read something recently that said you should not make the SSID invisible or enable MAC address access lists.  It says that hiding the SSID does nothing and can actually make that system a target.  Then it said that MAC Address lists are very easy to break and it should not be enabled.  The article went on to say using WPA security is enough to stop most intruders along with a hard to guess key.

I was wondering what anyone thought about this and if it is true.  Am I causing more trouble by making the SSID invisible or enabling MAC address access lists?

 

[Hard Harry]

I say certainly use WPA2 with AES if you can, set up all your wireless devices, then hide SSID if you want. Its really not going to add that much security, but as long as you have the wireless info programmed into the devices, it's not going to hurt anything either. But if it does give your trouble, just re-enable the SSID. As for MAC filtering, I'm not a fan of it, because everytime you add a device, you have to add the MAC to your whitelist. And anyone that can break WPA2, changing their mac address is infinity easy, so it is kind of pointless.

[fraggboy]

I agree that the only thing that is (somewhat) keeping your wireless network safe, is WPA2 (AES).

EDIT:  Make sure your password is not a word!  Use Upper/Lower/Spaces/Special characters, including capital letters in the middle.  The longer the password, the better.

[Hard Harry]

And while we are at it, I always suggest saving a notepad document on your desktop with the network's name, security type, pass-phrase, etc along with a copy of your router's config file after setting the router up. I usually also print out a copy on a post card and put it under the router. A little preparation now can save you a ton of headache later.

[Z.K.]

Good suggestions, thanks. 

[fraggboy]

And while we are at it, I always suggest saving a notepad document on your desktop with the network's name, security type, pass-phrase, etc along with a copy of your router's config file after setting the router up. I usually also print out a copy on a post card and put it under the router. A little preparation now can save you a ton of headache later.

I do all of that, except for printing out a post card. I keep the files on my NAS, laptop, and phone.   I feel this is very important also.