| Wireless hardware is so easy to set up | | | | points and routers keep track of MAC |
| anymore that most people can simply plug it | | | | addresses of all the devices that connect it. |
| in and start using their network without | | | | Many offer the owner an option to key in the |
| giving much thought to security issues. That | | | | MAC addresses of their home equipment that |
| doesn't mean hackers haven't thought about | | | | restricts the network to only permit |
| them. | | | | connections from those devices. Hacker |
| | | | software programs can fake MAC addresses |
| One key issue is bandwidth theft. Anyone can | | | | easily. |
| steal it from your wireless connection | | | | |
| provided that they are close enough to get a | | | | - Disable SSID Broadcast - The access point |
| strong signal. This will ultimately slow down | | | | or router will typically broadcast the |
| your internet connection. You'll also be | | | | network name over the air at regular |
| responsible for anything they online since | | | | intervals. This was designed for businesses |
| you are their access point to the internet. | | | | and mobile hotspots where people come and go. |
| | | | This feature is unnecessary in your home, and |
| Bandwidth theft isn't the worst part of | | | | it increases the chances a hacker will try to |
| leaving your wireless network insecure. There | | | | log in to your home network. Most Wi-Fi |
| is much worse things that can happen. A | | | | access points allow the SSID broadcast |
| knowledgeable hacker can easily capture and | | | | feature to be disabled by its network |
| view the contents of your wireless-network | | | | administrator. |
| traffic. This includes all of your e-mail | | | | |
| messages and log-in passwords. They can also | | | | - Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks |
| hijack your online identity for nefarious | | | | - Automatically connecting to an open Wi-Fi |
| purposes, such as using your network and | | | | network like a wireless hotspot exposes your |
| computers to attack other systems. | | | | computer to some security risks. Although |
| | | | it's normally not enabled, most computers |
| By taking a few extra minutes to configure | | | | have a setting allowing these connections to |
| all of your network's security features, your | | | | happen automatically without letting you |
| computer should remain safe. Here are ten of | | | | know. |
| the best and easiest ways to keep your | | | | |
| computer safe: | | | | - Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices - |
| | | | Home networkers normally use dynamic IP |
| - Change Default Administrator Passwords (and | | | | addresses. This technology is quick and easy |
| Usernames) - The core of most Wi-Fi home | | | | to set up, but it also works to the advantage |
| networks is the access point or router. | | | | of network attackers, who can easily obtain |
| Manufacturers provide Web pages that allow | | | | valid IP addresses from a network's DHCP |
| owners to enter their network address and | | | | pool. Turn off DHCP on the router or access |
| account information when setting up the | | | | point, set a fixed IP address range, then set |
| equipment. They are protected with a login | | | | each connected device to match. |
| screen so only the owner can do this. These | | | | |
| provided logins, however, are simple and | | | | - Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the |
| well-known to hackers on the Internet. Be | | | | Router - Today's routers contain a built-in |
| sure to change these settings immediately. | | | | firewall capability, but there are options to |
| | | | disable them if you choose. Make sure your |
| - Turn on WPA / WEP Encryption - Wi-Fi | | | | firewall is turned on and try installing and |
| equipment supports some form of encryption. | | | | running personal firewall software on each |
| This technology scrambles messages sent over | | | | computer connected to the router for extra |
| wireless networks so that they cannot be | | | | protection. |
| easily read by humans. Several encryption | | | | |
| technologies exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally | | | | - Position the Router or Access Point Safely |
| you will want to pick the strongest type of | | | | - Wi-Fi signals normally reach outside of a |
| encryption that works for your wireless | | | | home but that small amount of "leakage" is |
| network. All Wi-Fi devices on your LAN must | | | | not a problem. Just be aware that the further |
| share the identical encryption settings in | | | | the signal reaches, the easier it is for |
| order to function properly. | | | | others to detect and exploit it. Your signal |
| | | | often times will reach through neighboring |
| - Change the Default SSID - Access points and | | | | homes for example. When installing a wireless |
| routers use a network name called the SSID. | | | | home network, where the access point or |
| Manufacturers ship their products with the | | | | router is placed determines its reach. Put |
| same SSID set. Though, knowing your SSID | | | | them near the center of your home rather than |
| alone can't let anyone to break into your | | | | near windows to minimize any leakage. |
| network, but it is somewhere to start. More | | | | |
| importantly, when someone finds a default | | | | - Turn Off the Network During Extended |
| SSID, they see it as a poorly configured | | | | Periods of Non-Use - Shutting down the |
| network and are much more likely to attack | | | | network is the best in security and will |
| it. Immediately change the default SSID when | | | | prevent outside hackers from breaking in with |
| configuring your LAN network. | | | | certainty. This doesn't mean turning it off |
| | | | and on at all time but, at least consider |
| - Enable MAC Address Filtering - Every single | | | | doing it when you know you won't be home or |
| piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique | | | | offline for a long period of time. |
| identifier called the MAC address. Access | | | | |