The latest in network security

When it comes to networks these days, people are turning wireless, both in their homes and offices. People prefer wireless because it allows more mobility - no one has to be tied down by a bunch of tangled cords. It's also relatively inexpensive and easy to set up. With the wireless trend, though, come certain threats to your home or company's computer and information. Because wireless networks are the newest and up-and-coming type of network, it is important to know the latest in network security.

One problem that faces wireless networks is that often the wireless signal can broadcast further than users think. Anyone just driving by or outside your home or business could, with the right equipment and know-how, tap into your network and get as much info as they want from your computers. There are many unsecured Wi-Fi networks - just be sure that it is not yours with a few of these steps:

• Control your signal strength

With some wireless routers, you can adjust your wireless signal strength so that your broadcast area isn't too large and far from your location. The lower your strength, the closer your signal will be. You really can't adjust it so that the signal stays perfectly within the confines of your home or business, but you can get it pretty close. It's mostly a trial and error process - play around with the settings until you can get it as close within the range you want. Something as simple as just adjusting the signal strength of your network can be your network's first defense against unwanted visitors.



• Use passwords well

This step seems pretty obvious to most people - why wouldn't you use a password to protect your network? However, many people overlook certain aspects of network security that could be simply fixed by using good passwords. Most routers have a password that allows the user to log in and make any necessary changes. These routers often come with a default password, like the router's brand name or the company that provides it. Your first step should be to change this password, write it down, and keep it in a secure place.

A good idea is to have a pretty complex password - up to 14 characters long - with a combination of letters and numbers. An easy way to come up with a complex password is to think of a line from your favorite song, book, or movie. Use the first letter of each word in that line to create a password (example: if it was from a book with a line that started with "Once upon a time", your password would include the "ouat"). You can also mix capital letters with lowercase ones and symbols (like @)This method keeps things random enough that a hacker won't be able to figure it out.

• Use encryption

Encryption is a great way to secure your wireless network - this creates a code between your wireless router and your computer that is hard for anyone to break. Many routers people get have the encryption turned off and they never even think to turn it on. For best results, try to find a router that supports Wireless Protected Access (WPA) encryption protocol or WPA2. WPA support comes with Windows XP and basically all new wireless equipment.

Non-PC things (like PDA's, for example) and older routers often only use Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP). This type of encryption is not nearly as good as WPA and is somewhat susceptible. Although there are many flaws with this older form of encryption, if this is the only option you have, it is better to use it than have no encryption.

With a few simple steps, you can start to secure your wireless network from intruders - protecting both your system and your information. However, you may want to look further, do more research, and consult a network security expert, depending on how large your network is, how big your company is, and how confidential your information is.

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