Packet sniffers can intercept data transmitted over wireless networks, allowing hackers to see websites visited and steal login credentials. Encryption scrambles data during transmission so intercepted data is unusable. The most secure encryption standard is WPA2, while older standards like WEP and WPA have security vulnerabilities. Broadcasting the network SSID provides less security than hiding it from view.

1. Network
Packet
Packet sniffers can be used by even the most novice of users to sniff your
sniffers
data. This means that a hacker can not only see which websites are you
accessing but also get the login details of your personal and professional
accounts.
Encryption
Encryption basically involves scrambling the data that is transmitted and
received by you while using a wireless network. This means that even if
a hacker intercepts your data transmission, (s)he will not be able to
exploit the information contained within it.
There are two encryption standards available that you can use:
a) WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
WEP is the older standard of encryption and can now be bypassed in a matter of minutes.
b) WPA (Wireless Protected Access)
-WPA is relatively newer but it still has security holes.
*WPA2 is the latest standard and is what you must use if you want the highest level of
protection for your wireless network.
(The encryption keys used change each time a device accesses the network making WPA
more difficult to hack).
SSID (Service Set Identifier)
Your network's SSID or Service Set Identifier is the name of your wireless network. Usually, the SSID
is the name of the router's manufacturer along with the model number of the router. Changing it to
not display this information prevents you from giving additional information about your router to
prospective hackers.