|
Wireless Network Security* |
|
"Can your neighbors use your wireless
network? [1]
A wireless network sends and receives signals through a central
device (called an access point) to connect computers to the Internet
and to each other. An access point is like a radio transmitter: it
broadcasts signals widely. Unlike a radio, the signals are
comparatively weak, but some can be detected from several hundred
feet away.
It's not uncommon for a home user with a wireless-enabled computer
to pick up a wireless network signal, often inadvertently, from a
next-door neighbor's access point.
Although you might not mind sharing Internet connectivity with a
neighbor, keep in mind that they could also potentially access
computers on your home network (including files stored on them),
conduct illegal activities online, or otherwise harm your system.
What is "wardriving"?
This curious term originated with the 1983 movie WarGames, in which
a computer expert dialed random phone numbers looking for systems to
break into using his computer. Today, wardriving means to cruise
down streets with a wireless computer or other radio-enabled device
attempting to locate, identify, and infiltrate wireless networks. In
case you have any doubts know that computer nerds have done
this frequently here in Houston as all over.
A wardriver who has successfully accessed your network could
anonymously hijack your Internet connection, view and potentially
steal personal information stored on your network, intercept file
transfers, or even use your computer as a type of "zombie" to send
out spam or malicious software that could be traced back to you.
Fortunately, by following a few best practices you can significantly
decrease your vulnerability to these attacks.
Tips to help protect your wireless network
The following are some basic tips to help protect your wireless
system from intruders. "If you aren't sure how to do some of these
items
contact EBS for assistance .
• "Encrypt all information transmitted through your access point.
• Specify the computers your access point will recognize using Media
Access Control (MAC) addresses.
• Add a firewall to your network access point and to each computer
on the network and keep all of them current (note that the latest
version of Windows XP features a built-in firewall).
• Avoid storing passwords, social security numbers, credit card
numbers, details about family members, or other personal information
on your computer.
• Place the wireless access point away from windows and near the
center of your house to decrease the signal strength outside of the
intended coverage area.
• Keep Windows and related security tools current using Automatic
Updates.
• Install antivirus and anti-spyware software and keep them
up-to-date.
• If you are unable to use encryption, connect to your wireless
access point with a network cable when sending financial or other
critical information over the Internet.
Although no method is 100% secure, you can help deter or prevent
unauthorized access by applying these basic steps to deter others
looking to steal personal information, Internet access, or even send
out spam e-mail in your name. "
HELP: For help with wireless systems and security concerns, give us a call or email EBS and we will be glad to be of assistance: 713.522.3480
Sources:
[1]Microsoft @
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/online/homewireless.mspx
[2] BBC @
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4544321.stm
|
|
|
| INTERESTING BITS |
Microsoft Office Online Training: did you know you can quickly
and easily access online training on Excel, Word, Access and
PowerPoint at the Microsoft web site? Just click on
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx
select the course you want and it starts right into it. If you
have task facing you that you are unsure of - like creating a chart,
or placing graphics in a Word document - take a quick course and the
task will be much easier then and in the future!
Pay for your online music!
The
Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA) has filed actions against over 400 students at 18 universities
for illegal downloading and sharing of music files over the new
Internet2
network.
Looking at a a better TV system? Budget for the cables! Of
the three popular video signal formats available on consumer
electronics gear--Component, S-Video and Composite--Component Video,
which splits the video signal up into three separate components (Y/Pb/Pr)
for the highest resolution and most realistic color rendition, is the
best. Component video cable sets will make the most of your
system's video signals - HDTV, DVD to set, etc.
|
| LATEST NEWS |
Microsoft: The Xbox 360 -Games and More
As reported by BBC news [2]: The Xbox 360 is due to go on sale by the
end of the year . Microsoft says its new video games console, the Xbox
360, will usher in a new era in entertainment. The console was
unveiled on MTV.
Q: How does the 360 compare with the original Xbox?
The first thing you notice is the completely different look of the
360. The original Xbox was a big, black box which polarized opinion.
Aside from looks, the 360 is a vastly more powerful machine than its
predecessor..... it far outstrips the Xbox. It comes with a 20Gb hard
drive, compared to 8Gb on the original.
The new console can act as a home entertainment hub, streaming
pictures, music and video from digital cameras, portable music players
and computers that run Microsoft Windows XP.
The Xbox 360 is due to go on sale sometime before Christmas this year. |
| For professional, cost effective help with your computer and network issues - Windows, Linux, Exchange, VPN, security, email, backup - all of your systems needs; please give us a call. 3311 Richmond Ave. Suite 317
Houston TX 77098
Toll Free: 800.524.9095
Tel: 713.522.3480
Fax: 713.524.0871
contactus@ebsit.com
www.ebsit.com |
|
