Going wireless is convenient, but it carries risks. Take the time to maximize your network security options and to protect your computers.
By nature, wireless data transmissions are less secure than their wired counterparts. Data passes through the air, anyone within your signal’s range can try to intercept communications or infiltrate your network. Once on your network, hackers can try to access data on your computers or even use your network for illicit activities.
Configure your wireless network properly to individually protect each computer. Tools such as
Norton Internet Security are recommended to protect your data and computer from external threats.
At the heart of every wireless network is a main router or access point. This device transmits your wireless signal over a limited area. Often, your router's range exceeds the size of your home or the boundaries of your property. Leakage is the phenomenon where other people can pick up your wireless signal and potentially join your network.
To minimize leakage place your router in a central location within your home. Consider reducing the strength of your signal, thereby shrinking your range. Create an optimal range where the signal reaches your computers, and no further.
- Don’t show your SSID. Most routers automatically broadcast their default network names, or SSIDs. To avoid this, change your network's SSID. If you can, turn off the automatic broadcast function so anyone attempting to access your network has to guess the name.
- Change your passwords. Immediately change the administrative user name and password. Solid passwords and unique names deter hackers.
Most wireless routers have built-in security features.
- Media Access Control (MAC) lists. Using unique identifiers (MAC addresses) to distinguish each computer, your router will restrict network access to the devices you specify on your MAC list.
- Encryption. Scrambling the data you send over your wireless network makes it difficult to decipher without a key. Make sure your devices are compatible with the encryption you're using and change the key often.
It's critical to lock down every computer on your home network. Most computers have a number of security mechanisms to help.
- Turn off network file sharing when you don’t need it.
- Place sensitive files in password-protected or encrypted directories.
- Turn off guest accounts and require users to login to operating systems.
Beyond these basics, you need proactive security tools to defend each of your computers.
- Norton Personal Firewall gives you control over transmissions between your computer and your network, automatically blocking suspicious incoming traffic.
- If a worm, Trojan horse, or virus sneaks onto your one of your computers, your antivirus program will detect and remove it before it causes damage or spreads to other machines. We recommend Norton AntiVirus to protect your computer and your data.
Wireless networks give us freedom, but they also expose us to threats. Take the time to maximize your security options. Once you’re done, you'll have the confidence to work and play on your wireless network.
