My Favorite Techie

Archive for the ‘wireless’ Category

People now have the ability to go mobile at home with wireless networking. Setting up wireless networking has been made very simple by the manufacturers with the CD that asks a few questions and 1-2-3 wireless is working. However, there is one thing that the wizard does not do and that is setting up security.

One might say, “I don’t have anything important.” But, you do not know who is driving down the street with more knowledge than you. Would you leave your door open all day while you’re at work or on vacation to let others walk in. No, of course not. We all make use of locks on our doors to impede unwanted guests.  Why then wouldn’t you want to have security on your wireless network as well?

Although each manufacturer of wireless routers is slightly different, all of them have several things in common and that is an advanced setup that allows for the configuration of security. In order to access the advanced setup, consult the instructions which came with your router.

There are two types of security that can be used. There is the encryption key and the hadware access list. The encryption key is very simple to use. One simple creates a pass key which the computer will turn into a string of numbers and letters that is then added to each desktop or laptop needing wireless connectivity. This encryption level impedes others on the outside from “borrowing” Internet access.

The second type of access, called MAC authentication, is based on the physical address of the wireless network card in your computer, similar to social security number. Each card has a unique identification number which is issued by the manufacturer. In the router, there is a window that allows for these addresses to be entered. When a laptop or desktop that is requesting connection to the router, the router checks its unique identification number against its list to see if its allowed and then grants it permission to connect. It is also possible with this form of authentication to deny access to certain computers.

The most secure method is to employ both methods of security. Create a pass phrase or a network key along with MAC authentication.

The other piece of configuration that the wizard does not do is renaming the wireless network name and the access point name. By default, most wireless routers create a wireless network (SSID) with the name of the manufacturer. Now if you were to do a search, it would be very possible that your neighbor has the same name. This name can be changed in the general setup page of the router. It is also advisable to change the name of the wireless router name from the default name given at the factory.

As we all want to be secure in our homes, we should also want our data and files to be secure and safe from strangers. I would suggest that everyone do a security evalution of their wireless network and take the time to employ one or both of the methods decribed above.