Secure Your Wireless Network
When you think of securing your computer, most people think of email viruses, annoying pop-up ads and inappropriate material on the web. But for many people in Haddonfield, wireless networks in the home have become a significant convenience. But are they secure?
Surprisingly, drive down many streets in Haddonfield with a laptop computer and you’ll find dozens of open wireless networks every few blocks. This means that anyone with a wireless computer can use your network to access the Internet or worse, possibly break into your computers in your home from the street.
If you have a wireless network setup in your home, there are a variety of things you can do to secure it. For many, it’s advisable to consult your device’s user’s manual.
(1) be sure to change the password used to change the administrative settings on your wireless network.
(2) change the SSID – the name that is used to identify your network. For example, if you have a Linksys device, its default is “linksys” so change it to something only you know (and don’t make it your home address).
(3) change the setting on your network to stop broadcasting your SSID. This way, someone trying to break into your wireless network won’t know that it even exists.
(4) encrypt the network (this is where it gets a little tricky). Each device works a little differently. There are ways to require computers trying to connect to the network to provide a passkey and there are ways to only allow certain computers to connect. Again, consult your user’s manual for instructions.
For an excellent guide to security a family computer and network, click here to download “How to Protect Your Family’s PC”.