Wireless Internet access can offer convenience and mobility. But there are steps you should take to protect your wireless network and the computers on it. |
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Use encryption to scramble communications over the network. If you have a choice, use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption as it is stronger than Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption. |
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Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall. |
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Most wireless routers have a mechanism called identifier broadcasting. Turn it off so your computer won't send a signal to any device in the vicinity announcing its presence. |
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Change the identifier on your router from the default so a hacker can't use the manufacturer's default identifier to try to access your network. |
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Change your router's pre-set password for administration to something only you know. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. |
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Allow only specific computers to access your wireless network. |
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Turn off your wireless network when you know you won't use it. |
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Don't assume that public "hot spots" are secure. You may want to assume that other people can access any information you see or send over a public wireless network. |