When installing and configuring a wireless network, what steps should you take to secure the network? Why is each step necessary?

To secure a wireless network, you should follow these steps: 1. **Change the Default Admin Credentials:** - **Why:** Default credentials are easily accessible online, making it easy for unauthorized users to gain access to your network. 2. **Update Router Firmware:** - **Why:** Outdated firmware may contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. 3. **Enable WPA3 Encryption:** - **Why:** WPA3 is the latest and most secure wireless encryption protocol available. It provides better security than older protocols like WPA2. 4. **Change the Default SSID (Network Name):** - **Why:** The default SSID is often well-known and can be used by attackers to target your network. A unique SSID makes it harder for them to identify your network. 5. **Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup):** - **Why:** WPS is known to have security vulnerabilities and can be exploited by attackers to gain access to your network. 6. **Use a Strong Wi-Fi Password:** - **Why:** A strong password makes it harder for attackers to guess or crack your network's password. 7. **Disable Remote Management:** - **Why:** Remote management allows you to access your router's settings from outside your home network. Disabling it reduces the risk of unauthorized access. 8. **Enable MAC Address Filtering:** - **Why:** MAC address filtering allows only devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to your network. This can help prevent unauthorized devices from accessing your network. 9. **Turn Off Network Name Broadcasting:** - **Why:** Disabling SSID broadcasting makes your network less visible to potential attackers. 10. **Regularly Monitor Your Network:** - **Why:** Regularly checking for unauthorized devices and unusual network activity can help you identify and respond to potential security threats. By following these steps, you can significantly improve the security of your wireless network and protect your data from unauthorized access.