6
DECEMBER 2014
A
s wireless networks become
easier to install within your
own business, and easier to
use when outside it, security becomes
increasingly important.
Securing YourWi-Fi Network
An unsecured wireless network allows
people outside your building to “leech”
off the services you’ve paid for and get
free access to the Internet. These indi-
viduals could also use your connection
for illegal activity such as identity theft.
To protect yourself, follow these tips:
Change the default password.
Once you
set up your network, be sure to create a
stronger password such as one that com-
bines both letters and numbers.
Enable security on your router.
Most
wireless routers come with this option but
many are not pre-programmed by default.
Place your wireless base unit in the center
of your workspace, if possible.
Doing so
will spread your coverage evenly throughout
your space while limiting the range of poten-
tial signal leakage outside your building.
Disable SSID broadcasting and lower
your transmission power.
By disabling
this feature, you’ll make your network
invisible to neighboring businesses and
people driving by. If your router allows
you to lower your transmission power,
do so to reduce your network’s radius
of availability.
Think of WEP encryption as only a
partial solution.
While WEP is better
than nothing, be aware that it’s still not
entirely secure.
Choose WPA encryption for more security.
This type of encryption, called Wi-Fi
Protected Access, adds greater security
because you assign a personal password
that’s harder for hackers to crack.
Connecting in Hot Spots
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi hot
spot that is not secure, it can leave you
vulnerable to attack. A hacker can set up
a legitimate-looking Wi-Fi network in a
known hot spot, wait for users to connect
to it, and access sensitive information.
They may also use the phony connection to
direct users to false web pages in order
to gain information that can be used
for theft. Connecting to such a Wi-Fi
network can result in inadvertently
downloading viruses, worms, and other
malware. It’s best not to connect to an
unknown Wi-Fi network. But if you
must, take precautions:
Keep your laptop security up to date.
Make sure you have the current versions
of your operating system, firewalls, web
browser, and antivirus and antispyware
software.
Avoid sensitive transactions.
To reduce
your risk of having personal information
stolen, don’t conduct financial transactions
or use messaging applications.
Adjust your laptop’s default setting.
Set
it to prompt you to manually select a
Wi-Fi network rather than have one auto-
matically chosen for you.
Turn it off.
Keep your laptop’s Wi-Fi
capabilities turned off when not in use.
Tips for maintaining security when
installing or accessing Wi-Fi networks
Avoiding
Wireless
Woes
A hacker can set up a legitimate-looking Wi-Fi network in
a known hot spot, wait for users to connect to it, and access
sensitive information.
