Simple Steps for Wireless Network Security

Wireless technology has many advantages, such as allowing people to connect to networks without a bunch of cables and wires. With wireless networks, people can check e-mail while sipping coffee in their kitchens or search the Internet while sitting in their backyards. However, wireless networks come with a unique set of security concerns, as it is much easier for hackers to penetrate wireless networks.

Dangers of Wireless Networks

Often, people use long-range signals on their wireless networks so that wireless devices throughout their homes can access the network. Sometimes, people even boost their signals so they can access them outside the home. If these signals aren't protected, neighbors across the street or strangers in parked cars can access your wireless network, which could compromise your network's security.

Hackers use special devices to pick up wireless signals. Once they know where a wireless network is, they can try to access it. Once inside, a hacker can access personal information, unleash viruses on your computer and more.

While hackers can wreak havoc on your personal wireless network, they can often do the most damage to business networks. For instance, in 2003, a wireless security breach at a Lowe's store in Michigan ended up costing the company more than $2.5 million.

Wireless Security Precautions

Before you panic and vow to never again use a wireless computer or network, you should know that there are some simple security measures you can take to help keep hackers out of your system. Here are some simple tips that can help keep you safe:

• Change the default identification on your wireless system. Companies provide all of their wireless routers with the same default Service Set Identifier (SSID). Default SSIDs make it a piece of cake for hackers to access your network. Therefore, the first thing you should do when setting up your wireless network is change the SSID to a unique ID.When choosing your ID, don't pick something that a hacker could easily guess. You won't want to use your name, place of birth, mother's maiden name, etc.
• Change the default password. Just like the default identification, hackers can easily obtain default passwords. Again, pick something easy for you to remember but difficult for a stranger to guess.

• Turn off, or disable, identifier broadcasting. Identifier broadcasting announces to anyone within range that you have a wireless network, making it easier for hackers to find you. To turn off this feature, follow the instructions that came with your router.
• Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. New viruses are created every day. If your anti-virus software is old it won't catch them. You must download the required updates for your anti-virus software on a regular basis.You can also install spyware protection for additional security. These help you identify someone who has already hacked into your network and prevent them from doing it again.
• Use encryption. This is one of the best ways to protect personal information or anything else you send over the Internet. You can use a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) to encrypt your data. WPA is harder to crack than WEP, no matter how long the WEP key. Therefore, it's highly recommended that you buy a WPA-compatible router.
• Use firewalls. Make sure to use firewalls, which are usually built in to wireless routers, to keep out unnecessary or unwanted traffic.