Is Wireless Security Technology Up To Scratch
As demonstrated elsewhere on this website, there is a real need to look seriously at security when you are any form of wireless technology with your computer. If you are running on a network or use your computer to connect to the internet while you are outside of your home, then this is one subject that you really need to pay attention to. By skimming over this issue you could potentially lose not only your privacy, but your income. In this article we will look at wireless security technology and some of the areas that are most vulnerable.
First of all let's look at security when at home. You may think that if you are simply running a small wireless home network to connect your computers, printer, and share the internet connection, that security us not something you need be concerned with. Wrong! If you are connecting to the internet to use online banking, or shopping facilities then this is information which, in the wrong hands could have a serious effect on your life. Even if you don't give out your credit details on the internet, you may hold personal information on your computer, and if this is the case then you need to be aware that a competent hacker could gain access to your network, and therefore the contents of your computer(s). Wireless Security Technology should be one of the most important features in your network.
If your business is running on a wireless network, then the same applies as above. Except that in this case security is even more of an issue. If you are handling large amounts of sensitive data, be it financial or otherwise, then not only do you face the same problems as those on a small home wireless network, but you are even more vulnerable due the fact that you are a business and therefore your network is more likely to be hacked. If a hacker can get into a business network with poor wireless security technology then they can wreak havoc either for personal gain or simply to cause chaos. They are more likely to attempt this than on small network where this is less information to be had.
Whilst you should invest in good security software and hardware for your network. There are some things you can do without spending any money that will increase it's security dramatically. First of all, it is vitally important that you change the default password from the manufacturers, to your own. Once a hacker has figured out the make of your network access point, they can easily find out the password. Secondly, Nowadays, most Wifi systems enable you to block the SSID, (Service Set Identifier) and stop it being broadcast. If you have this option on your network then you should enable it. This will help ensure that your network remains closed as hackers will have a much harder time finding you in the first place. Next, you need to change your network name. although wireless security technology is a big issue, network access points still tend to ship with a default name for the network. You should change your network name to something that is not easy to guess, as you would with any other password. Don't make the mistake that many large businesses still do and name it after your street address. This is probably the first thing the hacker will try. Another thing you can do to increase the security of your network is to have your access point near the center of the room. The further away it is from windows and doors, the less distance it will travel outside of where it's intended. Again this will decrease a hackers chances. The above is an example of just some of the steps you can take to improve on your wireless security technology, but don't stop here. You can never be too careful! Have a look around the internet until you have the knowledge and the products that will keep your network safe.
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