When you turn on your Wi-Fi enabled laptop or cell phone, both search for wireless networks in range and inevitably the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ‘linksys’ shows up. This means that when the router was set up, the user did not bother configuring the wireless router, thus leaving it unprotected and vulnerable to hacking, or the user did not come up with a unique name for the network.

It is not difficult to change the name of your wireless network. Using Network Magic, all you need to do is follow the steps of the software already on your router. If you have an older router model or feel more comfortable using the web-based setup page, then here are five steps to follow.

Having a unique wireless network SSID only makes it easy to identify a network; it does not protect the network. We also urge users to enable network security on the router in order to deter anyone from attempting to hack into a network.

Devices like cell phones that have wireless network adapters make it fun to see the interesting, unique and sometimes wacky names people come up with for their wireless networks. Here are some dos and don’ts on creating different names for your SSID.

Next time your Wi-Fi enabled device asks you to select a network, take a look at the SSIDs… you’ll learn some interesting things about your neighbors!