If you’ve set up a home wireless (Wi-Fi) network, you’re probably well aware of the many benefits of this technology. The freedom and convenience it provides are the reasons you see Wi-Fi “Hot spots” in airports, hotels, and coffee shops. Wi-Fi’s wireless technology is allowing people access the Internet in places they have never imagined.

The problem with Wi-Fi is that it’s a less secure way share Internet access and files when compared to “wired networks.” Numerous instances have been recorded of poor wireless network security that has been abused by drive-by hackers and freeloaders looking for no-cost high-speed Internet.

If you set up your own Wi-Fi network, it’s very important to follow secure networking practices as soon as it’s set-up. Even though the punishment could be up to a third degree felony, people looking for free Internet access and malicious hackers are violating wireless networks everyday.

Here are a few of the more important steps you need to take to help make your network less vulnerable to an easy infiltration.

1. The most important step in securing a home wireless network is not use TCP/IP for file and printer sharing. This will stop any would-be hacker from easily getting access to your files just because he or she managed to get an Internet connection using your network.

2. Follow secure file-sharing practices. This means share only the necessities such as one folder instead of an entire hard-drive. Whatever you do make available for sharing, make sure you put password protection on it.

3. Enable WEP Encryption. Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) is a privacy standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Look for products that have WEP Encryption and make sure you turn it on.

Much more information on wireless security is available from a variety of on-line sources. If you have some specific questions about securing your wireless network and how it relates to your Internet access, feel free to contact our tech support team at 533-5777 or 1-888-491-9115. You can also send us an e-mail at techsupport@huntel.net.

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