Wireless networks using 802.11 have made it simple to connect
multiple devices to your home network.This can also make your
data availiable anywhere, even outside your home.To set this up
all you need is a broadband connection connected to a wireless
router or a WAP Wireless Access Point. Your home computers
should have wireless access cards installed or if your using a
laptop a PCMCIA wireless card. Intel Centrino is great for
wireless, I personally use it. I like the fact that I did not
have to purchase additional hardware.
When you set up your wireless router or WAP your signal is
broadcast. This broadcast usually goes further than your home or
business. People like to drive around finding unsecured wireless
access points. This is known as Wardriving, some hackers even
mark spots on the sidewalk to let other hackers know your home
or business is offering free Internet service, or worse yet
access to your data.This is not to scare you but make you aware.
Diasble broadcasting so people cannot you your wireless network.
Your routers come with pre-configured system ID’s its called a
SSID or Service Set Identifier, its very simple to locate this
information on the Internet for default SSID’s I recommend
changing this to something hard to guess. Use alphanumeric’s to
make it even harder to guess.
Use encryption to protect your network. WEP or Wireless
Encryption Protocol is not secure, I have cracked my own network
with a Linux machine running Kismet. WEP’s keylength is only 40
bits, once you collect enough data from packets its only a
matter of time for a determined cracker.Instead use WPA which is
WI-Fi protected access. This is more secure.
Configure your router to block incoming outgoing traffic you do
not use. Consider blocking Port 23 Telnet and Even FTP.
Router manafacturers have default passwords which I find many
home users do not change. CHANGE THEM!
Invest in a software firewall and keep your system up to date.
In the month of October 2005 there have been several security
flaws listed by Microsoft. Keep Informed.
Benjamin Hargis CEO
Phuture Networks
Website http://www.phuturenetworks.com
Free Computer Secuirty Advice !!
http://www.computersecurityadvice.com
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