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.