Security Measures

Enabling the protection already installed on your computer and other hardware is important for a foundation before installing or adding other protection. The two key components are the router and the computer itself.

Securing the Router

War driving is a term used for people roaming neighborhoods searching for open Wi-Fi signals to connect to. Depending on the settings of the computer, this could allow them to access to ALL devices connected to it including smart phones and tablets.

• First you will need to load the settings for your router. Consult your manual or your internet provider for directions if you do not know how. There should be an option to enable SSID on the wireless setting screen. SSID is the name you see when you go to connect your device. By disabling this function, your network's name does not show up in other people's wireless network scans. For the thieves out war driving, this will make it very difficult to figure out. However, there is software to still find it.

  

• Next, you will need to make sure the security settings are set on your router. You want to set them to WPA-2 security. WPA2 encryption is the most secure method for keeping intruders off your network, as it takes years to crack. However, your password is easier to crack for your Wi-Fi password.

• Make a strong Wi-Fi password. The more characters in length, the better, and in a combination of alpha numeric characters and the use of symbols. Experts warn against using personal information such as your name and birth date here since this can be obtained easily. You should write down your password and attach it to the bottom of your router if you can't remember it.

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