| In my experience as a computer support tech for | | | | chance of a typo. |
| residential customers I would estimate that 9 out | | | | While you are logged in to your router it may also |
| of 10 home wireless networks are not properly | | | | be a good idea to change your router password |
| secured and left open for anyone in range to use | | | | from the default if you have not already done so. |
| the internet connection or worse, hack into the | | | | Ok, now it is time to configure windows XP on |
| files. Most people don't even realize that their | | | | your computer. First unplug your network cable |
| network is not secure. They buy a wireless | | | | from the back of your PC. |
| router plug in all the cables and if they get an | | | | - Click on Start / Control Panel and double click |
| active internet connection from all PCs then they | | | | the icon 'Wireless Network Setup Wizard'. If you |
| are done. | | | | do not see this icon then your computer may not |
| In this article I will show you how to secure your | | | | have Windows Service Pack 2 installed. Click on |
| home network using Wi-Fi Protected Access | | | | start / All Programs / Windows Update and |
| (WPA) through a Preshared Key (PSK). WPA is | | | | download it. |
| the newest standard for securing home and small | | | | - When the wizard pops up click next |
| business networks. Most vendors now offer | | | | - Copy your SSID from notepad into the field |
| hardware and software that supports WPA | | | | labeled 'Network Name (SSID)' |
| including Windows XP SP2 which offers support | | | | - Select 'Manually Assign a Network Key' |
| for WPA using a Preshared Key (PSK) also known | | | | - Put a check in the box 'Use WPA Encryption ...' |
| as a passphrase. | | | | - Click Next |
| The first thing you need to do is log into your | | | | On the next screen do the following: |
| router and change your wireless network name | | | | - Uncheck the 'Hide Characters as I Type' |
| from whatever default the router manufacturer | | | | checkbox |
| has given it and create a passphrase. I would | | | | - Copy and paste your passphrase from notepad |
| recommend doing this from a wired computer. | | | | into the 'Network Key' field |
| Once you are logged in to your router go to the | | | | - Click next |
| wireless section. This will vary according to your | | | | On the next screen you decide how you want to |
| router model but look for the fields labeled SSID | | | | setup other devices on your network. If you |
| and Passphrase. Now enter a value for each of | | | | have a USB Flash drive then choose that option, it |
| these fields. It is a good idea to use some | | | | will save you some time. You will simply have to |
| random characters in the SSID and enter a long | | | | plug the USB drive into any other wireless |
| string of all random characters for the | | | | computer and the configuration is done |
| passphrase. (I make my passpharse 50 | | | | automatically. If you do not have a USB flash |
| characters; you can use up to 63). | | | | drive just manually configure each computer in |
| TIP: Enter values for SSID and passphrase in | | | | the same way as above. |
| notepad first so that you can just copy and paste | | | | Well that about covers it. You now have a secure |
| them as you need them. This also decreases the | | | | wireless network. |