What is Network SSID And How To Find It?

What is Network SSID?

A “Service Set Identifier” is a sequence of characters that uniquely names a wireless local area network (WLAN). In more technical terms, it is the primary name associated with an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN). This name helps stations to connect to the desired network when multiple independent systems operate in the same physical area.

Each set of wireless devices that are communicating directly with each other are called a “Basic Service Set (BSS).” When several BSSs are joined together, it forms one logical WLAN segment that is called “extended Service Set (ESS).” The SSID is simply the 1-32 byte alphanumeric name that is given to each ESS.

How to Find Your SSID?

• 1. Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable.

• 2. Open the web browser, type in your IP address. If you do not know your IP, try visiting 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.2.1.

• 3. Once you find the right address, you will need to log in using the routers administrative password (mentioned in the manual).

• 4. Once you reach the router interface, look for the wireless settings page to find your SSID. The exact directions will vary depending on the model. Still, it should be under the necessary settings or on the main menu.

• 5. Once you find the SSID, note it down and close the browser when finished.

How to Change Your SSID and Password?

• 1. Open your web browser and type in the default IP address.

• 2. Log in to the admin panel using the administrative username and password.

• 3. Go to the settings and look for an option called “Security” or “Wireless Security”.

• 4. Ensure that your router security mode is set to WPA2 or WPA2 AES if available. This will make hacking into your system a little more complicated.

• 5. Below or above this option, you will find the option to type in a password or passphrase. Make sure the password you choose is secure, 12 characters long at least, and a combination of alphabets, numbers, and special figures with a mix of upper and lower cases.

How to Connect Your Smartphone to a Wireless Network with SSID broadcast disabled?

• – Tap on Settings.

• – Select Connections and Click on Wi-Fi.

• – At the bottom of the list, tap on + Add network.

• – Enter your SSID in the text field called Network Name.

• – Now choose the security type your network is using. It is likely to be WPA/WPA2-Personal.

• – Tap on Save.

What is the Difference Between SSID Number, IP Address, and Mac Address?

Every device on the internet has three types of addresses: an IP address, a Mac Address, and an SSID number. They do different tasks but work together. Let’s know more about these.

SSID Number

SSID number is the network name that uniquely defines a network. An SSID number differentiates one wireless network from another. Wireless routers broadcast SSID numbers to let other devices know they exist so they can connect to them.

Mac Address

Mac address is the unique hardware number of the device. It is used for local identification. Mac address is only relevant with the LAN, and it’s written in six hexadecimal digits, six pairs of two, and separated by hyphens. The length of the Mac address is

• – 32 bits for ipv4

• – 128 bits for ipv6

MAC addresses are hard-coded into the device during manufacturing and are provided by NIC manufacturers. Mac addresses can only be changed if the LAN card of the device is changed.

IP Address

An IP address is the address of the device that is used for the global identification of the device. They are relevant through the internet. IP addresses are grouped into eight sets of four digits. The length of the IP address is 48 bits.

Example of how they work together

The web browser routes data to the destination using the IP address. This IP address is then translated into a DNS name, and the application translates the DNS name into a corresponding number.

Routers then move the data from the source network to the destination network, and the packets are forwarded to the local network.

The SSID number of the device will let the router know which wireless network the device is connected to.

The IP address gets translated into the MAC address using address resolution protocols at this local network level. Then, the data gets sent to the correct device using the Mac address.

How Do You Find Your SSID Number?

When you connect your device or system to an internet connection, a network profile that contains details about your SSID number and WiFi password is automatically generated.

You need to know the network’s SSID number to connect your device. Follow the steps below for each device to find the SSID number.

Windows

• 1. Click on the startup menu and search Command Prompt.

• 2. When the command prompt appears, right-click and tap on Run as administrator.

• 3. Type netsh (without space) to access the net SH scripting utility.

• 4. Next, Type in the command, wlan (space) show (space) profiles, and press Enter.

All the user profiles the device is connected to will appear. The text corresponding to the user profile will be your SSID number.

Routers

• 1. Take the physical router that your internet service provider gave you.

• 2. Flip it over, and you will see a sticker at the back.

• 3. The default SSID number will be mentioned on this sticker.

• 4. Look for the WiFi Network Name (SSID) and the WiFi Password to connect your device to the internet.

iOS Devices

• 1. From the home screen, go to Settings.

• 2. Tap on WiFi. The name of the WiFi you’re connected with will appear. This name is your SSID.

• 3. If you want to know the router number or other details like IP address, tap the i icon next to the connected WiFi connection.

• 4. Scroll down to Router, and here you will find your Router number.

Android Devices

• 1. To find SSID on your Android phone, go to Settings.

• 2. Tap on Network and Internet.

• 3. Next, click on the WiFi option, and you will see a bunch of WiFi networks available.

• 4. To find the SSID of your network, look for the connected network.

• 5. The name of the connected network is your SSID number.

Why Should I Hide My SSID Number?

Do you know that you can hide your WiFi’s name? You can certainly hide your WiFi’s SSID number. It serves several purposes.

By hiding your SSID, you add an extra layer of security to your network, which makes it difficult for cybercriminals to hack it. Even if they know your network’s password, they won’t be able to connect to it since they need to know the name of your network.

By hiding your SSID, you can reduce the probability of an attack on your network.

A hidden SSID prevents unwanted connections as well. People who want unauthorized access to your network won’t be able to see it. Avoiding irrelevant connections increases your internet connection’s speed and improves its performance.

How Can You Hide Your SSID Name or Password?

You can hide your SSID number and password in multiple ways.

From Router

Most routers have settings that allow you to hide your WiFi’s name. To make configuration changes, log in to the router’s login page. In these settings, turn off the broadcasting option. Once that’s done, your SSID will no longer be visible to other users.

Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps are available that can hide your network’s SSID. For instance, Amplifi is an application that makes the name of your WiFi network invisible.

These apps create a virtual network within your real network. Rather than connecting directly to your actual network, your device connects to this newly created virtual network, which hides the identity of your existing network.

MAC Address Filter

Using a MAC address filter, You can keep your network name hidden. A MAC address filter is a feature on your router that allows you to specify the devices that can connect to your network.

To hide your network’s name, you can establish a MAC address filter that exclusively hides connections from your devices and allows them to connect only to specific connections.

This will prevent devices from connecting to your network even if they know the network name (SSID).

Use VPN

VPN can hide your location and virtual identity by creating a tunnel to exchange data from your site to the destination server. The original data gets encrypted and travels through the tunnel to its final destination.

If a hacker breaks into your network, traffic will be nicely encrypted, and your IP address will remain hidden as the VPN will generate a new IP address for you.

Due to this new location, it will be difficult for cyber criminals to locate you and steal your sensitive information.

Other Network Security Tips to Follow

You can employ other strategies to protect your network from hackers and cybersecurity threats. They are as follows.

• – You can use a combination of different keys for a complex SSID password.

• – Modern routers have inbuilt encryption features that encrypt the user’s data so it cannot be read by hackers even if they gain access to your network.

• – Developers release security patches so the routers are not at risk. It is suggested to install plugins and themes from trusted developers only and update them. Updated plugins and themes prevent data penetration.

• – Firewalls create resistance between the system and external forces. They have strict rules to filter requests that contain suspicious data. Just by installing firewalls in your system, accidental penetration and exposure to third parties can be prevented.

Can Cybercriminals Use My SSID in Fraudulent Behavior?

Cybercriminals can use your SSID to engage in fraudulent activities in the following ways.

DDoS Attacks

Once they have your SSID’s access, hackers can very conveniently launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. DDoS attacks block your system by burdening it with excess data beyond what it can manage.

Fake W.A.P

Intruders can create a fake wireless access point using your SSID information. They replicate an artificial WiFi connection that looks authentic.

These connections mostly require personal information like phone and passport numbers to sign in. By connecting, the user will not only lose their data but also give access to the hackers.

Spread Malware

Attackers can spread malware to other devices on your network. Hackers can send phishing emails to users on your network so they can download malicious information into their systems.

Trojan is the most commonly found malware that attackers use to steal information. Trojan runs silently in the background without anybody’s knowledge. Attacks can then exploit the system, extract sensitive data, and even spy on the victim.

Is SSID the Same as WiFi?

No, SSID is not the same as your WiFi. SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, which is used as a terminology to define the name of your internet connection.

On the other hand, WiFi is a wireless technology that enables or allows devices to connect to the Internet.

SSIDs are typically broadcast by wireless routers, whereas WiFi is not published. Devices can connect to the internet (WiFi) by selecting the SSID of the network they want to communicate with.

Thus, SSID is an integral part of WiFi. Without SSID, devices cannot locate which network to connect to, as SSID provides a unique identity to each network.

Can Two Networks Use the Same Network ID?

Yes, two Networks can connect to the same network ID. However, it is not recommended. Two networks using the same network ID can lead to conflicts.

IP address conflicts are the most common. They occur when two devices on the same network have the same IP address. This can lead to several problems. They are as follows:

• – Incorrect packet delivery.

• – Communication disruptions as both devices will not be able to receive data properly.

• -There will be frequent disconnections and inconsistent performance.

• – Other devices can penetrate data as the MAC cannot gauge which data is intended for which device.

Stay Protected with the Right Strategy

Now you know the difference between SSID numbers, IP addresses, and Mac Addresses. At the same time, now you know how to hide your SSID number and the potential risks associated with broadcasted SSID.

Cyber threats are getting real, and you should do everything possible to protect yourself online. Remember, you can win the war with the right strategy.