3 Simple Steps To A Foolproof Wireless Security Policy
If you thought security policies and standards, wireless or otherwise, are only meant for corporate and business houses you are perhaps light-years away from reality. If you are using wireless Internet connectivity in your house, you need to have a sound and foolproof wireless network security system. But then why should a homeowner need a wireless Internet security policy? Well, for the same reasons why a corporate with a huge LAN network needs a sound wireless security policy - to ensure your privacy, stop data theft, stop malicious agents from breaking into your computer and even to stop your neighbor from sharing your Internet broadband connection. Well, this is just a sample of the perils that might happen.
Encrypt your communications
The first baby step towards a sound wireless security policy is using some good encryption system. While there are two encryption mechanisms available, WEP and WPA, and both are said to be almost equally good, it is advised that you opt for the latest one, that is, the WPA. The WPA mechanism is much tougher for hackers to crack open, and has better security measures. If you have an older desktop at your home, chances are that you will have to upgrade your wireless hardware to use WPA encryption.
If you do not have enough spare dough, then opt for the older WEP method. Agreed, WEP is not the most sophisticated method available off-the-shelf, but it is certainly better than an unguarded wireless network. Every coin has two sides, and so does having an encryption working for you. The downside of having an encryption system in place is that installation is slightly techie activity, and you will need some professional help if you do not share a good comfort level with technology. Be on a stealth mode Wireless access points don't have ports where you can plug in cables, they have identifier broadcasting mechanism that helps a wireless network detect and identify them. The term broadcasting tells us that that these wireless access points shout about their presence to you, and to anyone else who bothers to listen. Welcome to the hazards that wireless communications can bring in. The listener may even be the hacker you have been trying to protect yourself from. Assuming you will know your own network and your own devices, it makes lot of common sense to shut down the broadcasting mechanism on your mobile device. Not all access points will let you do that; but for all the possible avenues, make sure you stop the broadcasting mechanism. Additionally, change SSID, or ESSID of your wireless network access point. SSID, or Service Set IDentifier, is a generic name that the manufacturer assigns to the access point of your wireless network. Customizing the name will make it a tad more difficult for the hacker to connect to your wireless network. Limited access The final critical step to a better and secured wireless Internet is defining which all devices and services can access it. Almost all wireless access points have an in built mechanism that can help you decide the MAC address required to access the network. However, this is not a foolproof system as there are ways by which a hacker can by pass this step. The final take - having a sound wireless network security policy is more of a journey - you need to keep yourself updated and change your strategy and usage habits often to keep the hackers off your PC. The nature of wireless security issues changes very rapidly due to the fast paced technological development in the industry. Implementing effective wireless security policies is paramount and must keep up with the changes. Seek formal help for the support and management of your devices if you are stuck.
Information Security >> Privacy Policy
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