The Buzz

A brief article for those NOT technically inclined...

I recently went to a friend's / customer's house to have a working session.  What that means is that we both worked side-by-side, she with her laptop and I with mine.  All that was needed was for us to both connect to the Internet at the same time through her wireless network which was connected to her cable Internet connection.  With me so far?

I quickly noticed that her network was completely open to the world...ok, so we were in Weimar, maybe not "The World" nor a haven for computer hackers for that matter but nevertheless, her network was wide open.  

So what's the big deal with that you may ask? Well what this means is that anyone within say 300 - 1000 ft (down the street or parked in a car) could tap into her Internet connection and do some unscrupulous things that make it appear as if it was her doing them.  In addition, they could gain access to her desktop and/or laptop which would give them access to very sensitive data.

With her permission, I was able to quickly gain access to her wireless router as the administrator (the default password hadn't been changed).  This would enable a "bad" person to do all sorts of mischief.   I could also see all of the computers on her network.  Just think, someone sitting in their car down the street could have been doing the very same thing I was doing in her kitchen...without her permission!  Very scary.

The above scenario is very typical in that when you buy a wireless router and plug it in..."it just works."  Well, what that means is that you have now left the door and windows wide open and left a big sign outside telling thieves to come join the party...if you know what I mean...pirate, pillage, and plunder.

Here are a 3 quick tips on how to secure your wireless network:

1) Always, Always, Always change the default password...see password tips below.

2) Make sure all of your computers have the latest Anti-Virus & Firewall software installed.  Like a visit to the dentist, many people just hate to buy anti-virus subscriptions.  The old adage "Better safe than sorry" always applies when dealing with network security.

3) Nearly all wireless routers are equipped with password encryption...either WEP or WPA...use it.  You probably haven't removed all of the locks on your house or handed out a key to everyone you see, make sure your network is as secure as your home.  For help, consult your wireless router's manual, search the Internet for your product and settings, or call a professional who can do it for you.

4) Do not broadcast your SSID (all wireless routers send a signal saying "here I am").  There is a way to turn that off so you become "virtually" invisible.  See Resources for technically inclined below.


PASSWORD TIPS:

"Always, Always change the default password" - but not to something that is in the dictionary like "sunflower".  Hackers have programs that will run through every word in the dictionary..as well as common names like "Sally".  I always create easy to remember passwords that are nearly impossible to hack.  

Here is an example: Your daughter's name is "Sarah", your son's name is "Coby".  Their birth dates are 06/05/84 & 02/22/86.  Your birth date is 11/04/67 now combine that info into an easy to remember password.  (remember passwords are CASE sensitive)

Example 1:
    - Take the "Sa" from Sarah
    - Take the "05" from Sarah's Bday
    - Take the "Co" from Coby
    - Take the "22" from Coby's Bday
    - Add a random character to the somewhere

    RESULT = Sa05Co22$ (say it to yourself like "Sarah 05 Coby 22 Money")

Example 2:
    - Take the "Co" from Coby
    - Take the "22" from Coby's Bday
    - Take the "Sa" from Sarah
    - Take the "67" from your Bday
    - Add a random character to the somewhere

    RESULT = Co22&Sa67! (say it to yourself like "Coby 22 and Sarah Summer of Love!")

Example 2:
    - Take the "Co" from Coby
    - Take the "11" from your Bday
    - Take the "by" from Coby
    - Take the "67" from your Bday
    - Add a random character to the somewhere

    RESULT = Co11by67* (say it to yourself like "Coby My Birthdate Star")

If you start mixing and matching from various sources like your parent's names, pet's names, previous address numbers...things that are familiar...yet mix them up, you should have an unlimited amount of complex password combinations.  

Remember the pattern is [partial name + number + partial name + number + random character somewhere].  After using them 5 - 10 times they become second nature.  Change them every three months if not sooner.




RESOURCES for the technically inclined:

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelesssecurity/tp/wifisecurity.htm
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/wireless_secure.htm
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1489


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If you are concerned about your wireless network security but aren't sure who to call...well, call me.  For a minimal fee, I can make all settings required as well as show you how to manage your wireless network and allow "trusted" people to use it.  I can be reached at 530-852-0330.

During the month of May we ran the Invite-A-Friend contest. The member with the most succesful sign-ups via the Invite Friends link would be the winner. The prize? A $50.00 gift certificate to the new Auburn Alehouse!

Congratualtions to AuburnBuzz member Rattlm (Rebecca Toedter) of All About Design, an Auburn graphic design firm, for getting the most sign-ups in May!

Upon presenting Rebecca with her gift certificate she exclaimed, "I'm so excited! I never win anything." Obviously, it was a good photo opportunity.

If you missed out on last months contest, don't feel left out, there will be more to come...stay tuned

The day that many have been waiting for has arrived...the opening of the Auburn Alehouse!! On June 21st, Brian Ford (Founder and Brewmaster) opens the doors to the general public.

In talking with Brian, I can see the excitement and thrill in his eyes (and possibly relief) in seeing a more than four year old dream finally become reality. In fact, he spent about 2 years just looking for the perfect location. The shuttering of the Shanghai was the perfect opportunity and location he was looking for.

Though many might be sad that the Shanghai is gone, my bet is that it won't take long before people begin reminiscing about the good old days at the Auburn Alehouse. I forgot to ask Brian if he will allow people to put their personal...ahem...items on the ceilings and walls.

Maybe it was because I was too preoccupied admiring the craftmanship, interior design, and architecture. Steel, brick, wood, copper, glass, concrete, decorative ceilings, wow!

From the Auburn Alehouse website:

The ambiance of the Auburn Alehouse combines the charm and character of this historic brick and mortor building with the bold industrial elements of a gleaming 10 barrel microbrewery. Guests and friends can enjoy lunch, dinner, and libation while watching the freshly crafted beer they are drinking being produced just a few feet away.

Brian has indicated that this is a "soft launch". It will take a couple of weeks to get all of the kinks worked out and then they will announce a Grand Opening after that (possibly close to the 4th of July). New employees, new systems, new everything in fact, there's no doubt it will take a week or two for everything to start working like a well oiled machine. That's not to say, they won't be serving up some of the finest microbrew the Sierra Foothills have ever seen, but keep in mind that there are a lot of systems and procedures that will take a little time to work through.

Cheers Brian and congratulations!

Entryway

Beer Homage

Seating

If you haven't heard the news (or rumors) about Auburn getting a Juice Bar (aka Jamba Juice), I wanted to let you know it's true. The new Jamba Juice will be located in the Bel Air shopping center (in the same building as La Bou). Construction is well underway and by the looks of it, we could be getting our juice by July.

Here are the pictures to prove it:

In Auburn, one option is never enough, so we will also be getting a Smoothie King! Yes folks, the Endurance Capital will be home to two blended juice companies. The second is Smoothie King located in the Raley's shopping center (next to Baskin Robbins and Subway) at the Foresthill exit. Smoothie King is also slated for opening in July.

It will be interesting to see which one serves up the best blended deliciousness.