Today we’re answering a question from one of our readers who asked whether she should hide her network’s SSID to boost security.
While we’re all about enhancing the security, we have to add that hiding SSID will do little toward that goal.
Let’s take a more in-depth look starting with the explanation of the SSID term, how it works and why you should care.
SSID explained
An SSID is also known as a network ID and it is the name given to a wireless local area network (WLAN). Wireless routers or access points broadcast SSIDs so that computers, phones, tablets and other devices can find local WiFi networks.
To put it more simply – when you’re looking for a Wi-Fi network to connect to, you see a list of SSIDs. These are the names of the wireless networks available in your area. Some of these networks will also show a padlock, indicating that you’ll need a password to connect to it.
SSID stands for Service Set IDentifier, which is the name that identifies a service set. A “basic service set” is the smallest building block of an IEEE 802.11 standard wireless network, better known asd “WiFi”. In other words, a basic service set is a group of devices linked to one access point, forming a wireless network.
When the data gets transmitted on a wireless network, every packet of data carries an SSID to identify which service set, or network, it belongs to. Therefore, all devices must use this SSID to communicate on the network.
Why should you change your default SSID?
Most wireless routers and access points come with a default SSID (network) name. That could be either the name of the router/access point manufacturer, like Linksys or Netgear, or the name of your ISP in case you got the router from them.
Some of the benefits of changing the default SSID name, include:
- You get a unique name that is easier to remember, while avoiding confusion with your neighbors’ networks (which could have a similar default name).
- You show hackers that your home network is actively managed and not left with default settings.
You could also create a different SSID or more of them for different purposes, like one for guests.
Also, you could use different SSIDs for different frequency bands for your wireless network. Today, many wireless routers can broadcast on two bands simultaneously: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – and you can have a dedicated SSID for each band. You have probably seen something like that in big venues and events.
Should you hide your SSID?
There is an option to hide your wireless network by turning off (disabling) the broadcast of your SSID. After this part is done, your network won’t appear on lists of available WiFi networks on devices in the area. However, it is worth adding that this option alone won’t significantly enhance your network security. It may again tell hackers that you are actually managing your router and could serve as a deterrent.
The problem is that, even when the SSID is hidden, it is still included in each data packet on your network. A hacker should be able to “sniff” it out using wireless packet-sniffing software.
Also there is another downside – connecting new devices to the network will be more complicated as you will have to manually type the network SSID — instead of just clicking on it in the list.
The bottom line
In most cases, we don’t suggest anyone to hide his/her network’s SSID. Instead, they should set more complicated passwords and encryption.
Even more, they should get a VPN and set their router to take advantage of it. This way, all devices connecting to the Internet through that router will get to benefit from a more secure connection as well as some other goodies the best VPNs include. These would include access to location-specific services, bypassing censorship and getting that much needed anonymity online. To get started, visit our page with Best of the Best VPNs and take it from there. You’ll thank us later. 😉