[chadfree] Wireless Security Tips

 
 Wireless Security Tips 
http://www.forcefieldwireless.com/tips.html

Your wireless network gives you freedom.  No longer do you have to be tied down 
to the wires of your network.  With this freedom you lose the security of a 
wired network.  You run the risk of others intercepting your emails, files, and 
using your network and internet connection.  If you are implementing a wireless 
network or have had wireless for a long time you need protection. 

Remember, security is a personal decision, and we encourage you to use at least 
some level of security as a deterrent to intrusion. Here are some tips to make 
your wireless network more secure and efficient.


Enable WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy)
Even though WEP uses weak encryption and is breakable, it still provides an 
effective first measure of defense by encrypting the traffic between your 
wireless card and access point. Make sure you use the largest WEP key size that 
your equipment supports. 


Change your SSID (Service Set Identifier) to something non-descriptive
You do not want to give out your name, address, or any other useful information 
to potential hackers. Also, using the default SSID is a bad idea. A good 
example would be anything non-descriptive like "flower" or "napkin" and a bad 
example would be "235 Elm St." or "Johnson Family".


Change the default password(s) on your access points
The default passwords of most network equipment are well known and could allow 
an intruder to gain access to your access point(s).


Disable Broadcast SSID
If your access point supports "closed system" or allows you to "disable 
broadcast SSID," use this feature. This will make your network essentially 
invisible to almost all scanning methods. 


Update the firmware and drivers on your access point and wireless cards
It is always wise to use the latest firmware and drivers on your access points 
and wireless cards. Manufacturers commonly fix known issues, security holes, 
and enable new features with these updates.


Enable MAC based filtering
Using this feature, only your unique wireless cards can communicate with your 
access point.


Turn off your access points when you are not using them
Why risk being scanned or being broken into if you are not using your wireless 
network.


Wave point placement and antenna selection
Try to position your access points towards the center of your house or 
building. This will minimize the signal leak outside of its intended range. If 
you are using external antennas, selecting the right type of antenna can be 
helpful in minimizing signal leak.


Disallow router / AP administration via wireless
This feature is usually only present in "Enterprise-grade" AP's, and shuts off 
the ability to administer your Access Point from wireless clients.  But if your 
router/AP has it, use it.


Don't send sensitive files over Wi-Fi networks unless you know it's secure.
Make sure that your internet connection is secure before you send very 
sensitive internet communications. On the web most sites that perform sensitive 
transactions like shopping with a credit card or checking bank account 
information use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. SSL encrypts the 
transaction -- creating a secure tunnel between your computer and the web site 
server. How do you know if your web page transaction is using SSL? One good way 
is to look at the web page URL. The prefix should start with "https://";. The 
"s" means it's SSL secure. You can also look for a padlock icon or a solid key 
icon on your web browser. Some popular web-based email services allow users to 
log-on using a secure SSL connection. If you're sending or receiving email 
while using a Wi-Fi network, make sure you log-in to your web-based email using 
SSL.


Use a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN is an advanced networking feature. It is a technology that creates a 
tunnel between your computer and the network server. Many corporate networks 
have VPN's to protect transmissions. If you are accessing your work files or 
email using a Wi-Fi network, make sure your office network administrator has 
created a VPN for those transmissions.


These tips cover some things you can do to increase security, but they only 
constitute a small piece of a true security model.  Remember, security is a 
personal decision, and we encourage you to use at least some level of security 
as a deterrent to intrusion.
 
Thanks to;
http://www.forcefieldwireless.com

Mike ~ It is a good day if I learned something new.
Editor MikesWhatsNews see ~ http://www.mwn.ca 
A Technical Support Alliance & OWTA Charter Member



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