Wireless Security Basics

Wireless networks using 802.11 have made it simple tosystem ID's its called a SSID or Service Set Identifier,
connect multiple devices to your home network.Thisits very simple to locate this information on the Internet
can also make your data availiable anywhere, evenfor default SSID's I recommend changing this to
outside your home.To set this up all you need is asomething hard to guess.
broadband connection connected to a wireless routerUse alphanumeric's to make it even harder to
or a WAP Wireless Access Point. Your homeguess.Use encryption to protect your network. WEP
computers should have wireless access cards installedor Wireless Encryption Protocol is not secure, I have
or if your using a laptop a PCMCIA wireless card. Intelcracked my own network with a Linux machine
Centrino is great for wireless, I personally use it. I likerunning Kismet. WEP's keylength is only 40 bits, once
the fact that I did not have to purchase additionalyou collect enough data from packets its only a
hardware.When you set up your wireless router ormatter of time for a determined cracker.Instead use
WAP your signal is broadcast. This broadcast usuallyWPA which is WI-Fi protected access. This is more
goes further than your home or business. People likesecure.Configure your router to block incoming
to drive around finding unsecured wireless accessoutgoing traffic you do not use. Consider blocking Port
points. This is known as Wardriving, some hackers23 Telnet and Even FTP.Router manafacturers have
even mark spots on the sidewalk to let other hackersdefault passwords which I find many home users do
know your home or business is offering free Internetnot change. CHANGE THEM!Invest in a software
service, or worse yet access to your data.This is notfirewall and keep your system up to date. In the month
to scare you but make you aware.Diasbleof October 2005 there have been several
broadcasting so people cannot you your wirelesssecurity flaws listed by Microsoft. Keep Informed.
network.Your routers come with pre-configured