Secure Wireless Networking

Wireless networking poses security concerns in addition to those which exist normally.

Public wireless networks, like those offered by businesses or libraries, are inherently insecure. The biggest threat may be others attached to the same network getting in to your computer, something that would be made easier if you have file sharing turned on and no firewall running on your computer. When you are using a public wireless network, make sure you have a firewall activated (turning on the Windows firewall for the duration of such a connection is a good approach to take).

Many people who have home wireless networks don't seem to realize what they are doing, a fact that is demonstrated by the number of networks running without any security. In most neighborhoods you can open up a wireless networking connection and see wireless networks running without any security.

If you have an unsecured wireless network, anyone within range of it can make use of your Internet connection. While you might not think that's a major issue, they also may be able to access files on your computer. Unsecured wireless transmissions also could be intercepted and read. And not to make too much of an unlikely event, if someone connected to your network and started to download something like child pornography, you could end up in trouble.

The solution to both problems is to use a security system that will prevent outsiders from entering your network and capturing your data. That's done by setting up both ends of your connection with the security protocols.

Wireless equipment often supports several security protocols; WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is the one recommended for home use. It allows you to set a password for access by a wireless computer to your router, and it encrypts your data as it moves between the computers. If WPA2 isn't available, WPA would be the next alternative.

Most wireless equipment also supports WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) but it is considered obsolete and not sufficiently secure to be worthwhile.

You need to set up the router and your wireless card in the computer to use the same protection scheme, using the setup information that came with the devices. If you have problems, consult the documentation that came with your equipment or contact its manufacturer for help.

Also, when you set up your router, change its administrative password. Use a password that includes letters and numbers and does not include any words found in the dictionary. You want a password neighbors and passersby won't be able to guess.

It's also good practice to change the router's name. By default routers usually have the manufacturer's name, such as Linksys, on them. By leaving the manufacturer's name as the network name, you may be making it easier for someone trying to break into your network.