| up and down any neighborhood with a Laptop and | | | | - This can potentially be the weak point of your |
| wireless network card and chances are very good | | | | Network, since wireless signals transmit over the |
| there is an unprotected wireless network waiting for | | | | airways. A hacker does not need to be connected to |
| anyone to connect. Imagine the hacker or your | | | | the Network to steal data. Use the highest encryption |
| neighbor who has been using your connection and | | | | available. such as WPA-Personal or WPA2 with a |
| possibly capturing all data being transmitted over the | | | | long pass phrase mixed with alpha,numeric and special |
| Network. Your Email, Bank and Credit Card account | | | | characters. Ignore anyone who advises you to at least |
| information vulnerable and out in the open for anyone | | | | use WEP, which is a very weak form of encryption. |
| to steal. | | | | WEP (wireless encryption protocol) is one of the |
| If this sounds like your home wireless network, it's time | | | | earliest form of encryption and the easiest to break. |
| you put security in place and lock out unwanted guest. | | | | You will be at risk by not upgrading to a better |
| Beyond the oblivious security measures, changing and | | | | wireless router, that offers newer encryption |
| disabling SSID broadcast, turning off your wireless | | | | technology. If you run a home business, or use online |
| router when not is use, these 5 tips will secure a home | | | | banking, there is no excuse to protect your self by |
| wireless network in layers, and give the boot to even | | | | making a small investment for security. |
| the most seasoned professional. | | | | Tip #4 Enable MAC Filtering: A MAC (Media Access |
| Tip #1 - Do Not Use DHCP - Using DHCP is very | | | | Control) address is a unique identifier, similar to |
| convenient, especially for intruders. DHCP automatically | | | | fingerprints for people. MAC's are assigned during the |
| hands out IP addresses to any who successfully | | | | manufacturing of a network device, such as a |
| connects to your Network. When disabled, every | | | | network card or Wireless adapter. Enabling MAC Filter |
| computer or device must be manually assigned an IP | | | | allows you to control which wireless-equipped |
| address. All computers, printers and devices on your | | | | Computers may or may not communicate with the |
| network will need to be manually configured with static | | | | Router depending on their MAC addresses and not |
| IP addresses. The threat of just handing out access is | | | | allow any Computers that have not been added to the |
| eliminated and you gain more control over who can | | | | list. |
| connect to the network. | | | | Tip #5 - Secure Your Computer - Gaining access to |
| Also consider changing the router local IP address to | | | | your home network from your router is not the only |
| something other than 192.168.1.1 that most wireless | | | | entry point that exists. The sites you visit and protocols |
| routers are configured by default. Use an address of | | | | used, if not trusted, can be an invitation to theft of |
| 10.0.0.x for the router and for assigning IP addresses to | | | | identity. |
| devices on your network. Changes to the defaults set | | | | What do I mean by protocol? An example of a |
| by the router manufacture will help keep intruders | | | | protocol is HTTP, HTTPs, FTP, etc. When creating |
| guessing and keep them off the network. | | | | username and passwords on websites such as |
| Tip #2 - Change The Router Default Password - | | | | financial related sites should always use HTTPS. |
| While this may seems like the most logical task when | | | | These sites may need to install Java applets or |
| setting up a wireless router, many people ignore | | | | ActiveX controls which could contain malicious code |
| changing the password. You will be surprised how | | | | that can create a backdoor into your network |
| many people think just using encryption on their | | | | remotely. |
| wireless network will prevent someone from gaining | | | | Make sure the site is authentic by verifying the |
| access to your router. | | | | certificate used and never respond to emails that claim |
| With router vendors using well known default | | | | account information is needed. Avoid being tricked into |
| passwords such as admin for Linksys, Dlink and | | | | thinking it is your financial institute or site where you |
| Netgear, encryption will not stop intruder access to the | | | | made a credit card purchases. Antivirus and Spyware |
| administration interface and gaining access to more | | | | software should always be up to date as well as |
| than just your Network. | | | | making sure your Computer has the latest patches |
| Best practice is to change your password using a | | | | installed. |
| complex password. If your name is Joseph, you can | | | | Protecting your home today involves more than just |
| easily mix alpha, numeric, and special characters to | | | | deadbolts and alarms. With technology creeping into |
| make a password you will never forget such as | | | | your house in the form of wires, cables and airways, |
| J0s3ph!r0ut3r* | | | | securing your personal data today involves, information, |
| Tip #3 - Implement The Strongest Form Of Encryption | | | | knowledge and good common sense. |