Using Wireless Networks Safely and Securely

There are so many horror stories about using wireless networks these days, it's difficult to know where to begin.

First of all, what makes wireless so much less secure than a regular network? It's simple once you know: to spy on a computer or hack into it you have to be connected to it. The closer you are, in network terms, the easier it is. Best of all is to be connected to the same cable infrastructure (for a conventional network) or within wireless range (for a WiFi network). On a conventional network it's not too easy to wire yourself in. With wireless, all computers are connected by radio, so you simply have to be within range of the transmission. For the latest wireless technology, that means you need to be within 250 meters (approx 830 feet).

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to make life safer and more secure. If you have a wireless access point at home, make sure you enable WEP, or better yet WPA. Both of these things encrypt all the traffic over your network using a password, and are simple to set up. WPA is far more secure than WEP, so if you have the choice go with that. If you are running a business network, you probably want to look into running AEGIS or RADIUS, both of which are strong access control protocols to help keep out unwanted visitors.

If you are using a wireless hot spot, say in your local coffe bar, at the train station, or at the airport, then you don't have any control over the network itself. All you can do is secure your computer.

The first thing to do is make sure you have a good firewall and anti-virus on your computer. Most operating systems come with a firewall, and if you're looking for a free antivirus the most popular is AVG Free Edition from Grisoft.