PrintComputer use convenience and mobility have arrived in many homes -- in the form of wireless Internet networks.
To create a wireless network, a broadband Internet connection, or "access point," connects to a wireless router that broadcasts a signal through the air. A computer within range and equipped with a wireless client card can then access the signal and connect to the Internet.
A wireless network can have a downside, however. Unless certain security precautions are exercised, other people with a wireless-ready computer nearby, such as neighbors or even hackers, can also use your network and potentially access information on your computer.
The Federal Trade Commission offers the following steps for protecting a wireless network:
* Use encryption to scramble communications over the network. Most wireless routers, access points and base stations have a built-in encryption mechanism. But manufacturers often deliver wireless routers with the encryption feature turned off. A person must therefore turn it on. If your wireless router does not have an encryption feature, switch to a router that does. The two main types of encryption are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Your computer, router and other equipment must also use the same type of encryption. WPA is considered the better of the two.
* Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer, and keep them up-to-date. Set up a firewall as well. If your firewall was shipped in the "off" mode, turn it on.
* Turn off identifier broadcasting. Most wireless routers have a mechanism called identifier broadcasting that sends out a signal announcing its presence. You don't need to broadcast this information to other devices that might be in the area.
* Change the identifier on your router from the default. Even if your router does not broadcast its identifier, hackers know the default IDs and can use them to drop in on your network. Change your identifier to something only you know, and configure the same unique ID into your wireless router and computer. Use passwords that are at least 10 characters long. Hackers have a more difficult time breaking long passwords. And don't forget to change the router's pre-set password for administration. The manufacturer may have assigned a standard default password that allows you to set up the router.
* Allow only specific computers to access your wireless network. Every computer that is able to communicate with a network is assigned its own unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. Wireless routers usually have a mechanism to allow only devices with particular MAC addresses access to the network.
* Turn off your wireless network when it's not being used. A wireless router is useless to other computer users and hackers when it is shut down.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
