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page.Last Updated May 23, 2011 07:59 PM
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Got a wireless network at home (or at work)? Are you the only one using it? Are you sure?
Just a few minutes will help make sure that your wireless network remains yours. And that there is no unauthorized use of your wireless network, your computer, or your Internet connection.
All of these changes are quite easy to do. Just connect your computer to the wireless box -- the 'router' (use the network cable during configuration to make it a bit easier). Then use your browser to get into the router's configuration screens. Consult your documentation for help.
Note that this is not the ultimate protection -- but it is a good start. There are ways around each of these tips, but this does make it harder. If someone wants to steal your car, they will. But if you lock the door (and take the keys), it's less likely that your car will leave without you.
When you connected to the router via the browser, you were asked for a user name and password. These default values are well-known to hackers. So change the user name/password. Make the password hard. Two words with some numbers or punctuation characters are best. Then remember what you changed it to.
If you forget your password, there is usually a way to change it back to the factory-preset values. Then change it to something harder.
The point here is to not allow others to change the settings.
The "SSID" is used to identify your wireless device to others. These are also default values. For instance, the SSID of a Linksys wireless router is "linksys". Change it to something else. It will still be visible to others, but it's a good practice.
This one is probably the most important. The encryption key will be required to connect to your network. Use the highest encryption value you can -- 128-bit is better than 64-bit. There are ways to 'sniff' and decode encryption values, but it's like a lock on your door...it's meant to slow down the casual thief.
When you choose an encryption key, use a pass-phrase (the first letters of a sentence). Don't use easily guessed words. Most password crackers are dictionary-based, so they will try to use common dictionary 'words' to guess your key.
There are a few other things that are helpful, but a bit more technical.
I hope this helps. Share this information. Print and bookmark this page.
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"Let's be careful out there" (Sergeant Phil Esterhaus [Michael Conrad], "Hill Street Blues", 1981-1984). Not everyone on the 'net is a nice person.
Lock your doors. Take your keys. Eat your vegetables. Hug your spouse and children. Call your mother.
Rick Hellewell -- May 23, 2011 07:59 PM
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