If my router has one, do I need to run the Windows firewall or other third-party firewall software?
Wireless routers have a hardware firewall that safeguards the network by providing both incoming and outgoing protection. A hardware firewall will include network address translation (NAT) capabilities that make your PC invisible to anyone trying to attack it. If you enable the hardware firewall, you probably don't need a third-party software firewall. You should still run the Windows firewall, however, because it keeps a low profile and will stop basic worms if your PC gets hit by a drive-by downloader.
Showing posts with label wifi security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wifi security. Show all posts
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Should I allow other people to access my Wi-Fi service? Wi-Fi Security Tips And Facts
Some users often see no harm in sharing there Wi-Fi signals, giving neighbors and even total strangers free access to the Internet. Others hold fast that piggybacking can open their networks to potential danger. The decision is yours, but if you choose not to encrypt, make sure to disable file sharing. Assuming you have your hardware firewall turned on, the worst that probably will happen is that your throughput will drop if your piggybacking friends crank up BitTorrent every evening. If you want to determine whether others are using your unsecured network, most routers have a page that lists all the wireless clients currently connected.
Some people, are not comfortable with the idea of allowing just anyone to use their wireless service. Feeling that that kinda practice can make your network vulnerable to hackers, since anyone who uses your wireless signal is on your home network. Malevolent users, for instance, could release nasty viruses or hijack your PC. That's not vary likely, but you should avoid the possibility by using WPA to protect yourself and keep others off your network.
Some people, are not comfortable with the idea of allowing just anyone to use their wireless service. Feeling that that kinda practice can make your network vulnerable to hackers, since anyone who uses your wireless signal is on your home network. Malevolent users, for instance, could release nasty viruses or hijack your PC. That's not vary likely, but you should avoid the possibility by using WPA to protect yourself and keep others off your network.
What should I do to secure my Wi-Fi network?
Routers offer two common forms of security: WEP, and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption. Both are easy to enable, although you'll get maximum protection from WPA. To activate security, go to your router's browser-based administration tool (the default address for most routers is http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1) and look for the wireless-security area. WPA requires you to enter a simple security phrase (eight to 63 characters), or, with some routers, a more secure (but much harder to remember) 64-digit key. Similarly, WEP demands that you choose from 64-bit or 128-bit encryption, and enter an alphanumeric hex phrase,.
In addition to enabling wireless security, you can also disable the broadcasting of the Service Set Identifier (SSID, or network name). Doing so can make the network more difficult for hackers to see. Also, make sure to enable the router's hardware firewall (more on that later), and change the router's default password. And never enable file sharing, unless you really use it.
In addition to enabling wireless security, you can also disable the broadcasting of the Service Set Identifier (SSID, or network name). Doing so can make the network more difficult for hackers to see. Also, make sure to enable the router's hardware firewall (more on that later), and change the router's default password. And never enable file sharing, unless you really use it.
How To Get Secure Internet access in a public hotspot
Wireless transmissions on a public hot spot are typically unencrypted, and thus exposed to snooping. All computers on a public hot spot are typically exposed to each other, and thus vulnerable to network attacks.
Use a software firewall
A good software "firewall" will protect your computer from network attacks.
Make sure you are using strong passwords on all system accounts (including Administrator) and on all user accounts.
When Using Microsoft Windows
Use Simple File Sharing (Windows XP only); or
Make sure that all network shares are secured with strong passwords (all versions of Windows). Use Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Shared Folders, Shares to review and check Properties of all network shares
Use a software firewall
A good software "firewall" will protect your computer from network attacks.
Make sure you are using strong passwords on all system accounts (including Administrator) and on all user accounts.
When Using Microsoft Windows
Use Simple File Sharing (Windows XP only); or
Make sure that all network shares are secured with strong passwords (all versions of Windows). Use Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Shared Folders, Shares to review and check Properties of all network shares
What is wireless networking? Wi Fi How does it work?
A wireless network uses radio signals or microwaves to broadcast data and information. Rather than being transmitted through traditional coaxial, CAT5 ethernet or other standard wired methods, the data is beamed out over the airwaves.
Wireless networks offer advantages for some. Users with personal digital assistant (PDA) handhelds such as Palm Pilots, wifi enabled cell phones, or users with laptops can use wireless technology to allow them the convenience to move about while maintaining their network connectivity. Another pro is the ability for users to network desktop computers at various locations without having to deal with the hassle or expense of running a wired connection to that spot.
Most wired networks operate at 100mbps, and many organizations have upgraded to the newer standard of 1gbps.
A large percentage of wireless networks operate at 11mbps, roughly equivalent to the old wired speed of 10mbps. Most wireless network equipment available today is compatible with both 802.11b and the faster 802.11g which operates at speeds up to 54mbps. There is also a new, emerging wireless network standard, 802.11n, which theoretically increases both the speed and the range of the wireless network.
WHAT CAN AFFECT MY WI FI CONNECTION
Wireless network speeds are affected by obstructions such as walls and floors. Most wireless network equipment, for consumers in particular, also operates in the 2.4Ghz frequency range. This is the same range as other household devices such as cordless phones, baby monitors, etc. The interference from these devices, as well as microwave ovens and other electrical interference can greatly impact the range, speed and quality of your wireless network.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
Wireless networks offer advantages for some. Users with personal digital assistant (PDA) handhelds such as Palm Pilots, wifi enabled cell phones, or users with laptops can use wireless technology to allow them the convenience to move about while maintaining their network connectivity. Another pro is the ability for users to network desktop computers at various locations without having to deal with the hassle or expense of running a wired connection to that spot.
Most wired networks operate at 100mbps, and many organizations have upgraded to the newer standard of 1gbps.
A large percentage of wireless networks operate at 11mbps, roughly equivalent to the old wired speed of 10mbps. Most wireless network equipment available today is compatible with both 802.11b and the faster 802.11g which operates at speeds up to 54mbps. There is also a new, emerging wireless network standard, 802.11n, which theoretically increases both the speed and the range of the wireless network.
WHAT CAN AFFECT MY WI FI CONNECTION
Wireless network speeds are affected by obstructions such as walls and floors. Most wireless network equipment, for consumers in particular, also operates in the 2.4Ghz frequency range. This is the same range as other household devices such as cordless phones, baby monitors, etc. The interference from these devices, as well as microwave ovens and other electrical interference can greatly impact the range, speed and quality of your wireless network.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
Accidentally connecting to neighbor's Wi-Fi Or Are They Connecting To Your Wi Fi
Products with the same (default) SSID seem like a single network!
Set a unique SSID in your wireless router or access point.
Set up security (WEP, or better yet WPA), a very good idea in any event
Some wireless access points support broadcasting multiple SSIDs, allowing the creation of Virtual Access Points - partitioning a single physical access point into several logical access points, each of which can have a different set of security and network settings.
Security Basics For Home ComputingThree Easy Steps
As a home computer user accessing the Internet, whether through a broadband connection or traditional dial-up, you should do the following three things at a minimum to protect your compute:
1.Install and maintain anti-virus software. There are plenty of great anti-virus software packages available. This software checks for known viruses by scanning your computer periodically. Most will also check for viruses on incoming email. It is important to update the software as well though. New viruses are discovered almost daily. At least once a week you should check the web site of the vendor that makes your anti-virus software to see if there is an update available.
2.Do not open unknown or suspicious email. Many viruses and worms use what is called “social engineering”. That is, they attempt to trick you into becoming a participant in the process. The latest viruses can “spoof” the sending email address so that it looks like it is coming from someone other than the computer that infected it.
If an email is not from someone you know, it is usually best to simply delete it without looking at it. If the email appears to be from someone you know, you should read the message carefully before opening any attached files. Viruses and worms often have bad English and poor grammar. Consider whether the person you know would really have written that message or forwarded you the attached file.
3.Keep your computer patched against known vulnerabilities. Almost as often as new viruses are discovered, new vulnerabilities are discovered as well. Many times they are in the operating system (like Windows), but vulnerabilities are also found in tools like your web browser, email software and other 3rd party tools. Left unpatched, these vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers to obtain access and control of your computer.
Staying up to date can be difficult. Some vendors, such as Microsoft, have automated utilities that check for updates and notify you. Other vendors may have an email mailing list you can join so they can notify you of any new updates. If your vendor doesn’t offer one of these solutions, you may just need to periodically visit their support web site to check for any new patches or updates.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
Set a unique SSID in your wireless router or access point.
Set up security (WEP, or better yet WPA), a very good idea in any event
Some wireless access points support broadcasting multiple SSIDs, allowing the creation of Virtual Access Points - partitioning a single physical access point into several logical access points, each of which can have a different set of security and network settings.
Security Basics For Home ComputingThree Easy Steps
As a home computer user accessing the Internet, whether through a broadband connection or traditional dial-up, you should do the following three things at a minimum to protect your compute:
1.Install and maintain anti-virus software. There are plenty of great anti-virus software packages available. This software checks for known viruses by scanning your computer periodically. Most will also check for viruses on incoming email. It is important to update the software as well though. New viruses are discovered almost daily. At least once a week you should check the web site of the vendor that makes your anti-virus software to see if there is an update available.
2.Do not open unknown or suspicious email. Many viruses and worms use what is called “social engineering”. That is, they attempt to trick you into becoming a participant in the process. The latest viruses can “spoof” the sending email address so that it looks like it is coming from someone other than the computer that infected it.
If an email is not from someone you know, it is usually best to simply delete it without looking at it. If the email appears to be from someone you know, you should read the message carefully before opening any attached files. Viruses and worms often have bad English and poor grammar. Consider whether the person you know would really have written that message or forwarded you the attached file.
3.Keep your computer patched against known vulnerabilities. Almost as often as new viruses are discovered, new vulnerabilities are discovered as well. Many times they are in the operating system (like Windows), but vulnerabilities are also found in tools like your web browser, email software and other 3rd party tools. Left unpatched, these vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers to obtain access and control of your computer.
Staying up to date can be difficult. Some vendors, such as Microsoft, have automated utilities that check for updates and notify you. Other vendors may have an email mailing list you can join so they can notify you of any new updates. If your vendor doesn’t offer one of these solutions, you may just need to periodically visit their support web site to check for any new patches or updates.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
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