News from Need Computer Help?

Is My Wireless Network Protected?

by: Tom Limon

Need Computer Help? has provided computer services for a large number of residential and business users over the past few years. In that time we have seen that many people have done a great job of protecting their computers with anti-virus and firewall software. Unfortunately wireless networks security has often been overlooked. We have seen situations where wireless networks have had no wireless encryption passwords or management passwords set on their routers, besides the default management password which is common knowledge to even the least savvy hacker, or the teenager next door.

Wireless Home Network

Recently a resident of Buffalo New York was falsely accused of partaking in illegal activities over the internet. His house was raided, guns drawn, and he was arrested and interrogated by the FBI. It was later determined that the man was innocent and someone was using his un-secure wireless network from across the street and committing these crimes. Here is a list of security precautions one can take to properly protect their wireless network.

1. Setup a Str0ng* Router Management password so no one can make changes to your wireless router setting. (Our full article regarding Strong Passwords titled "P4ssW0rd$" can be reviewed at the following link)
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs009/1101840706290/archive/1103618648991.html

2. Utilize the highest possible wireless security setting such as WPA2 128Bit encryption to protect any data your are transmitting, and again use a Str0nG* wireless passphrase. (The 128Bit encryption is close to the same level of security banks use to store financial data)

3. Turn off SSID broadcasting which makes your wireless invisible to the others. (This keeps your wireless network out of site and out of mind)

4. Implement MAC address filtering which specifically allows or denies computers and devices that can participate in your wireless network. (Every computer has a hard set physical address like your home address)

5. Turn off the ability to remotely manage your router from the internet or from a wireless connection. This requires you to physically plug an ethernet cable into your router to manage it. (Someone has to physically be inside your house to do this)

6. Make sure your wireless router has the latest manufacturer's firmware installed on it. Often wireless router companies fix security holes they find on a routine basis. (This is similar to windows and anti-virus updates)

Special thanks to one of our Veteran Trusted Technology Advisers Steve Steinmetz for submitting the idea for this months article.