Columnists

Geek Speak… Security For Your Wireless Network

Issue 35.14

A lot of people question why it is important to “lock down” your wireless network. After all, it is easier to just have it open so that anyone can log in without asking for a password or phrase. There are serious concerns however. You need to know the risks and take precautions to protect yourself and your data.

Whether your wireless network is created by a modem or a router, it is broadcast in a sphere around your home. The size of that sphere can be anywhere from 50 feet to 400 feet, depending on the type and power of your transmitter/receiver. Even at 50 feet, the signal can usually reach the street near your home. The danger is that people you don’t know, or even your neighbors, may be able to access your network and by extension, everything the network connects to.

Once inside your network, people may be able to access your data, photographs, personal letters and emails, banking information and many other private concerns. They also can definitely access your internet account. You may feel that sharing the internet access is okay, but you need to realize that they may also be able to figure out your access to facebook, email and bank accounts which leaves you vulnerable to hacks and identity theft. Even more serious is what happens if they use your network to conduct illegal activities.

I am aware of a man whose life was ruined when the FBI broke his door down, arrested him and confiscated his computer – accusing him of distributing child porn. After further investigation, they realized it was not him, but someone who had been logging into his network which showed his internet address even though he knew nothing about it. They apologized and put things back, but he still has people who think he is a pervert and criminal.

Today most wireless modems and routers come with a network ID and password pre-installed. The ID is usually the manufacturer’s name plus a series of numbers (such as CenturyLink4658 or Netgear8833). The password is usually a random set of numbers and letters or random words. These give you a level of protection. It can be confusing if you can see a number of wireless networks in your neighborhood, so some people change the ID to something specific to their family. It is usually not a good idea to use the family name though, because it identifies to hackers which home the router is in and what their name is.

Preloaded passwords are usually sufficient, but if you are worried about it or want to make it easier to remember, you can change it. Changing the ID or password should be covered in the user manual but many people ask a professional to do it because it can be confusing. I recommend against using your telephone number as the password because that is something a hacker can easily find out; the same with birthdays, anniversaries and children’s or pet’s names. A phrase or name you can easily remember with some of the characters changed to numbers or symbols is a way to keep it familiar but make it hard to hack.

Whatever approach you choose, think it through and ask for advice if you need it – and always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.

Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 25 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.

 

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