Computer Runs Home Security - What About Wireless Setups?

Your computer runs home security programs on a regular basis if you spend time online. Wireless systems are the most vulnerable to attack from outside sources. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that, when your computer runs home security programs, they are sufficient to protect your computer.

Check your password

Most systems come with a password that is set at a default.  The mistake that many people make is that they fail to change this password.  This password is available in user manuals for the wireless device used, which can be accessed by anyone, making your system vulnerable.

Enable the wireless encryption protocol

Most wireless devices are capable of encrypting information being transmitted or received.  They are also changeable between 64 bit and 128 bit.  Your device should always be set to 128 bit as it is much more difficult to break the code.

Beyond these two simple things, you can also:

• Change the SSID
• Disable SSID Broadcast
• Disable DHCP
• Change the default subnet
• Use MAC address filtering

In addition to home security programs that your computer runs, you should be practicing some simple safeguards when turning on your computer.  These include:

• All user accounts should be protected with passwords that are not easily deciphered. 
• Any files that are shared across a network should also be password protected.
• All computers should have a login that is automatically reset if the computer is idle for any period of time.
• All anti-virus programs should be kept current and be installed on each individual computer in the network.
• Firewalls should be installed on all computers in the network.
• All log files for firewalls, antivirus programs, and events should be monitored on a regular basis for any unusual activity.

Securing your computer against outside and vicious attacks is not a difficult task to do.  There are many people who would invade your system and take advantage of your systems vulnerabilities if you let them.

Given that protections are so simple to acquire, you would be foolish not to take advantage of them and protect your system.  All that it would take is a little bit of time. 

You can simply read the manuals that came with your wireless devices and change a few settings to ensure that when your computer runs home security programs, they are enough to help you avoid intrusion.