The conveniences a wireless network offers is one of the greatest aspects of computing. Sharing files, setting up a media server, working wirelessly on the internet from your laptop, these are all benefits a network can offer. Whether it be a wireless network for your home or a wired network for your business, we can help.

How to secure your wireless network.

Wireless networks do not have the same physical security that wired networks have.  Wired networks are tied together with cables, wireless networks use radio signals to connect the various components on the network.  The wireless signal travels through walls into other rooms of the house, as well as right out through the wall to the street and into your neighbor’s house.

So what can you do to protect and secure your wireless network? 

1. Change the SSID. The SSID is basically the name of the network.  Anyone who wants to hack into your network will know the default names of each brand of wireless router.  Use a name that you can easily remember.  However don’t use easily identifiable names, such as your last name, business name, address, phone number, or social security number.  A combination of numbers, letters, and other characters would be best.
   
   
2. Disable SSID Broadcast.  If you disable or turn off SSID broadcasting most network scanners won’t see the network.
   
   
3. Enable MAC address filtering.  This will set up the router to only allow your specific computers to connect to the wireless network.
   
   
4. Use Encryption.  WEP is basic, has its flaws, but is better than nothing.  If you equipment will allow you to use WPA you should use that. 

Each of these options are pretty standard in all wireless home networking equipment.  Follow the instructions that came with the wireless router or wireless network card.  Most of these are simply checking the appropriate checkboxes. 

Linksys, Broadcom, NetGear, and D-Link are a few of the major wireless equipment manufactures.  Most of them are now beginning to incorporate setup wizards that will make securing the wireless network easier.  If you are conerened about security and would rather have a professional do it for you you can contact companies like Maryland Computer Repair or Faster Digital who will set it up for you at a very reasonable cost.  Some of the major retailers such as Geeks On Call, CompUsa, and Geek Squad can also do it for you.