A wireless network (Wi-Fi) is a great way to be anywhere in your Kindergarten and connect your internet service. But it’s important to be aware when your wireless network is open to unauthorized use.
Just like the security lock on the kindergarten front door, the Wi-Fi network should be protected using a strong password. This is to prevent unauthorised access to your network and in turn, into to your confidential or personal files on computers or on a shared drive.
If the Wi-Fi connection is left open without password, anyone can connect to your Wi-Fi and access your data or degrade your connection speeds (refer to tip #3 for how to check).
Here are some of the tips to protect your Wi-Fi network:
Use strong passwords
Use a strong passwords to protect your Wi-Fi network, these passwords should be random and should contain a minimum of 8-10 characters. It is very useful if any one or more characters are numbers or an alpha numeric characters (like @#$%). Avoid using default or guessable passwords like name of your Kindergarten, street number etc.
Updated the WiFi pass when you update the front door key-pad pass.
Most kindergartens have a keypad security lock on the front door. Whenever you update this pass, organise for the Wi-FI pass to be updated. All the devices that connect will need to have the new pass, so check that the printer etc still connect after the change.
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II)
Make sure your Wi-Fi network uses WPA2 security type. The best way to find out if you are using WPA2 is to hover your mouse on your Wi-Fi name and the security type will be displayed on the popup box. WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II) is a security certification program that uses strong encryption to scramble your data so no one else can read it.
Change the default SSID name
SSID (Service Set Identifier) refers to the name of your wireless connection that you see on the “Available Wireless Connections” list from your PC while connecting. Changing the default wireless name can discourage anyone trying to gain access to your Wi-Fi, as they know that you’ve taken some steps to secure your wireless connection.
All these settings can be checked by logging into your internet Modem/Router using a browser. The procedure to log into your Wi-Fi Modem/router depends on manufacturer of your modem/router. This information can be found on the Modem/router’s underside.
If you are using a Kindergarten IT Program supplied modem please contact us to get assistance to log in.
If you have any questions, or require further assistance please contact State Library of Victoria, Community IT Support on 8664 7001 or Free Call 1800 629 835.