One issue you have to address if you choose to install a wireless system in your home is that of security. You want to make at least some effort to make it harder for others to access your computer network, especially those who may want to attack your computer or steal your personal information. You can reduce these risks if you use the available security features that are built into a typical wireless system.
Performing any of the following steps will help you maintain your privacy when using a wireless network, and performing all of the steps will help even more.
* Change the router's user name and password: Use something other than the default user name and password in order to make it harder for a hacker to access your system.
* Control access with a user name and password: Most wireless routers have a mechanism called identifier broadcasting. It sends out a service set identifier (SSID) signal or an extended service set identifier (ESSID) signal to any device in the vicinity announcing its presence. Change the default user name to a unique user name. For added protection, set it up to require a password for access.
* Turn off identifier broadcasting: Hackers near your home can use identifier broadcasting to locate unprotected wireless networks. Disable this mechanism if your wireless router allows it.
* Turn off wireless network when not in use: If you will not be using your wireless network for an extended period of time, turn it off or disconnect it. Hackers are unable to gain unauthorized wireless access to your computers if the wireless network is not operating.
* Use encryption: The most effective way to secure your wireless network from intruders is to encrypt, or scramble, communications over the network. Typically, the default setting is to have this system turned off. Follow the directions included with your wireless router, or the product support information on the manufacturer's web site, to turn on encryption. Turning on encryption will allow access only to users with the proper user names and passwords. If your wireless router doesn't have an encryption feature, consider getting one that does. Two main types of encryption are available: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and the more secure Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption.
* Be careful away from home: If you are accessing the Internet through a public hot spot, do not use this connection for anything involving sensitive private information.
Depending on your system, you may not be able to adjust all of your router's settings. You may want to review your router's documentation or your ISP for additional information on securing your wireless system.
Other Resources
The book Parenting and the Internet (Speedbrake Publishing, 2007) by Todd Curtis has more detailed suggestions about setting up your home computer system, with additional advice on how to set up your browser and operating system to enhance your online security. Visit http://speedbrake.com for more information about the book.
About the Author: Dr. Todd Curtis is the creator of the web's most popular airline safety site AirSafe.com (http://www.airsafe.com), the director of the AirSafe.com Foundation, and an expert in the areas of engineering risk assessment and risk management. He has applied those basic principles to the problem of managing Internet use, and has put many of those insights and lessons learned into his book Parenting and the Internet (Speedbrake Publishing, 2007), an easy to understand how-to guide that parents can use to manage the activities of their online children. For more information about the book and how it can help you, visit http://books.speedbrake.com
