| |
| eNet Systems, Inc. knows that your time is valuable and you need an IT provider you can trust to be there. That's why we guarantee our response times to our clients ... in writing. |
|
|
|
|
Does it seem like the only reason you are still with your current IT firm is because it would be too difficult to change. Not
any more. Introducing the No-Risk Switch only from eNet Systems, Inc. |
|
|
|
| |
Download eNet Sales Sheet
Email Us | 281-403-9561
|
|
|
Continued from June 07 issue of IT News from eNet Systems, Inc.
So how do you protect your wireless network from intruders?
Your first line of defense is your wireless access point or
wireless router, which is basically a radio broadcasting transmitter. As with any other radio broadcast, anyone within range
of the transmitter can "listen in" -- unless the information being broadcasted is encrypted with a secret formula, called an
encryption "key".
Encryption technology is built in to practically every router on the market today. Unfortunately, this technology is
disabled by default! This is done to facilitate setting up the wireless network, but leaves the network wide open to
intruders! So the first step in securing your wireless network is to turn on the encryption feature in your wireless access
point or router.
Encryption technology is available in two basic flavors: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).
WEP is the first encryption technology available for mainstream users. Its main advantage is that it can be implemented on
just about every wireless device in use today without the need of upgrade. If your wireless equipment is more than four
years old or so, then you are probably using WEP (if it is activated as mentioned in the previous paragraph).
Unfortunately, WEP is easily defeatable using widely available hacking tools. German researchers were able to "crack" a
WEP-encrypted network in 60 seconds. Still, WEP is better than having no protection at all, and may be adequate against
"casual" hackers.
To correct the known deficiencies inherent with WEP, WPA was created several years ago. The current version of WPA, called
WPA2, is available on newer wireless access points and routers. Once properly set up with an adequately-strong encryption
"key", then a WPA-protected network is unbreachable using known current methods.
However, WPA technology may require a hardware upgrade. You may need to upgrade not only your wireless router or access
point, but possibly also the wireless devices on your computer, in order to enjoy the protection provided by WPA. Still, you
may decide that security and peace of mind are well worth the added expense. If security is important to you, then WPA is
unquestionably your best option.
A properly-secured wireless access point or router is only the first step in protecting your network.
Each computer in the
network (even the ones that are not connected wirelessly) must be properly configured for maximum defense against intrusion.
Finally, beyond hardware and software protection measures, how you use your computer directly affects the security of your
network. Avoid unsafe behavior when browsing the internet or handling e-mail. These are separate topics which will be
explored in a future article.
If you are concerned about the security of your wireless network, please contact your IT consultant. If you don't have an IT consultant, please call eNet Systems at 281-403-9561 or email us now.
|
|
Client Help File