KnowWare - Wireless Network | Office Networks

· Complete connection assistance and support for your home network.

· Optimization of your network for the greatest speed and availability.

· Going completely wireless with your laptop or other home PC's. (maintaining wireless network security).

· Internet connection security and firewall configuration.

Solutions From KnowWare

Home and Office Computer Services — California License E-83783

Home/Office Networks

Securely share your DSL or Cable broadband service with more than one computer in your home or small office. Our Home and Office Network Solutions include:

Text Box: Do you already have a Wireless Network Installed? Is it Exposed or Secured? Is your wireless network secured from eavesdropping? Is your wireless network open for others to use? Why do I need to secure my wireless network? Free Security Audit We can perform a fast and free audit of your wireless network to
see if it is properly configured against intrusion. If it is not secure
we can fix it for a Flat Fee of $48. Call us today to set up a free no-obligation appointment! 530-713-8814

KnowWare offers wireless router and wireless network configuration as part of our standard service. Call 530-713-8814 for more information.

Is your wireless network secure? The current generation of wireless products provide several network security features, however, they require specific action on your part for implementation. All of the steps below should be followed to ensure wireless network security. If your hardware does not support any one of the following settings you should strongly consider an upgrade to one that does.

1. Change the default SSID
2. Disable the SSID Broadcasting feature
3. Change the default password for Administrator access
4. Enable MAC Address Filtering
5. Change the SSID periodically
6. Enable WEP 128-bit Encryption
7. Change the WEP encryption keys periodically

For information on implementing these security features refer to the User Guide for your specific hardware or you may contact us and we can do it for you!

Wireless Network Security Fundamentals

SSID

Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID (Service Set Identifier) - which is basically the public name of a wireless network. While this option could be convenient for allowing friends or customers to easily access your network, it will also allow anyone to privately see and then log onto your wireless network (including hackers).

So, do not broadcast the SSID. Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. Hackers know this and can check it against your network even if you disable SSID broadcast. So change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use and turn off SSID broadcasting. This will make it much harder to hack into your network.

Change your SSID regularly so that any hackers who have gained access to your wireless network will have to start from the beginning in trying to break in.

Most important advice for anyone with a wireless network : Always Change the Default Password to Your Wireless Device (Router or WAP)

If a hacker gets into your connection it is very easy to get into your wireless device and modify the settings and making it easier to compromise your network. Change the factory default password and user name.

MAC Address Filtering

Enable MAC (Media Access Control) Address filtering in your wireless access point (WAP) or wireless Router setup. MAC Address filtering will allow you to provide access to only those wireless nodes with certain MAC Addresses that you designate. This makes it much harder for a hacker to access your network with a random MAC Address. Wireless nodes on your network include computers, laptops, and other hardware. MAC address filtering keeps out run-of-the-mill hackers and wardrivers

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

WEP is often looked upon as a panacea for wireless security concerns. This is overstating WEP's ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker's job more difficult. However, there are several ways that WEP can be maximized:

   ► Use the highest level of encryption possible for your wireless device
   ►Use a "Shared" Key (don't click the check box "This key is provided for me automatically")
   ► Use multiple WEP keys. Change your WEP key several times throughout the year

► If you are transmitting sensitive data over your network, encryption should be used.

These security recommendations should help keep your mind at ease while you are enjoying the most flexible and convenient technology wireless products have to offer.

Contact Solutions From KnowWare today at 530-713-8814 to schedule your PC computer service or PC repair. All of our products and services come with an unconditional satisfaction guarantee!

Got Firewall?

www.netk2ne.net -- The home of Chico Connect Intenet Services and Forest Ranch Internet Services. DSL, Dial-up, and business class network services.

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