(MoneyWatch) As any IT manager (or crewmember on a Battlestar Galactica) can tell you, wireless networks are inherently reduction secure than connected networks. A cyber-criminal doesn’t even have to benefit earthy entrance to your home or bureau to concede a wireless network; they can be parked in a automobile 100 feet away.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad information out there about how to keep your Wi-Fi network protected and secure. we found some common these misconceptions cataloged over during How-To Geek. Here are a critical points to remember:
Hide your SSID. It seems like each Wi-Fi confidence essay we review leads we to censor your SSID, that is a arrangement name of a wireless network. If someone scans your premises and zero appears in a list of accessible networks, a meditative appears to be that we can’t be compromised. Unfortunately, this is laughably naive. Hiding your SSID usually creates it harder for we to find and bond to your possess network. It does zero — and we do meant positively zero — to delayed down any efficient criminal, hacker or “wardriver” (someone who drives around looking for wireless networks). Don’t worry stealing your SSID; it has no outcome solely to mystify your possess life and offer a fake clarity of security.
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Encryption methods are interchangeable. Anyone who tells we that that it’s reduction critical that Wi-Fi encryption process we select and that any insurance is improved than zero competence good wish to mangle into your network. It’s loyal that supposed WEP encryption will indeed keep out toddlers and people who don’t possess any kind of computer, though this oldest and slightest secure form of wireless confidence was burst and rendered archaic years ago. The usually reason router manufacturers continue to embody it during all is that some unequivocally aged mechanism hardware isn’t concordant with newer encryption standards. But omit WEP: You should be securing your network with WPA2.
Using a immobile IP residence can foil hackers. You competence have listened that vouchsafing your router use a integrated DHCP server, that dishes out IP addresses to any device that knows a Wi-Fi password, is inherently insecure. And that’s true, after a fashion. But a choice — configuring your router to work with immobile IP addresses — isn’t unequivocally any better. If a hacker can travesty his approach onto your network, he can supply his PC for a immobile IP address. It’s not rocket science. Like revelation your router to censor your SSID, this is a tip that only creates your possess life some-more formidable but charity any genuine protection.
Article source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505124_162-57562362/wi-fi-myths-that-can-compromise-computer-security/