When it comes to securing Networks, the best defense is in layers. The more layers an intruder needs to penetrate, the less chance of a successful break-in. One layer that a home user can add to their Linksys home wireless network is MAC filtering.
To enable your Linksys router with MAC filtering, first make a backup of the Router configuration by connecting to the Router administration interface and select Administration \ Config Management from the menu and saving it to a location on your Computer.
NOTE: menus and screen shots may be different from your Linksys Wireless Router depending on the model you have.
After you have made a backup, startup all Computers on you wireless network.
Next, select Wireless \ Wireless MAC Filter from the menu. Then select the Enable radio button next to Wireless MAC Filter: and select Permit only PC's listed to access the wireless network radio button next to Permit Only.
Click Save Settings button (bottom).
Then, click on the Edit MAC Filter List button at the bottom of the Wireless MAC Filter screen. When the MAC Address Filter List window pops open, click on the Wireless Client MAC List button.
Another window will open displaying all active Computers on your wireless network. Click on the Enable MAC Filter check box (right column) for all Computers on your network, then click on Update Filter List button to save the settings.
The MAC address will now be updated in the MAC Address Filter List. Scroll to the bottom and click on Save Settings button., then click Continue and close the window.
Any new Computers that are added to your wireless network will need to have their MAC address enabled using the same procedure above, before it can access your network.
While MAC filtering by itself is not a strong defense to keep a skilled intruder out of your home Network, it is a good security measure that should be part of your overall security layer strategy.
Comments on How To Secure Your Linksys Wireless Router With MAC Filtering
Billybob @ 10:59 am
This will only keep honest (or clueless) people out
Saying that you need weak layers like MAC filtering on top of real security like WPA is like saying that having a raincoat on over a bullet proof vest will add a layer of protection.
Commentstobillybob @ 7:23 pm
I agree with you mostly Billybob, MAC Filter is a weak, and easy to evade protection for your network. However, setting up WPA(Wireless Protection Access) isn't the best security for your network. To get a good/solid protection as far as encryption then I recommend using AES(Advance Encryption Security); it weaves your password through an Algorithm about 7-8 times making it extremely painful for hackers to figure out. Also, recommend, turning off your remote access, encryption your telnet and line console 0.
Chris @ 8:54 pm
As technology improves so do the replies to the thread. MAC filter is useless, non SSID broadcast is also useless.
The only way to secure a wireless network is,
- Use Wires instead
- WPA2-TLS
vahid @ 11:53 pm
well, let me coment on the main topic. mac filter with linksys does not work when you mac addresses over 20, and I have no idea why. if u choose "permit" the router will not let any computer in! if u choose "prevent" any pc will connect and work!
Rachael @ 2:24 am
Vahid is so right, mine had prevent and 3 intruder were on. Don't even know when the came on, remove Saturday and one returned Wed morn at 12:08 AM
Arvel Blanda @ 8:00 am
I recently saw that the Linksys router has many security flaws and I read the article to know more about it and how to prevent from security issue.