Security Tips When Using Point To Point Wireless Networks
February 9th 2012 Posted at Online Tips, Websites
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Various ways that a user can practice to ensure security when using wireless network
When Internet was first introduced, everybody was excited to have a computer at home so they can surf the net to research, send emails, chat to friends and more.
Nowadays, mobile devices are getting so high-tech that almost all cell phones, laptops, netbooks and the like are equipped with WiFi capability that lets them connect to the Internet even when on the road, while waiting for their flight in an airport, as they sip their coffee in a coffee shop and more.
The WiFi technology has brought mobile computing to a whole new level as it means any user who has a WiFi capable device can easily connect to the Internet even without the wires. This has push different stores and establishments to install point to point wireless system as an added service to their valued clients.
Though wireless point to point access offers a lot of advantages and convenience to users, experts say that it can pose for a security risk as it makes users vulnerable to identify theft and hacking. But of course, there are a lot of ways that users can exercise to protect themselves while using a wireless network and here are a few of those:
- Avoid connecting to unencrypted public wireless networks. When accessing a WiFi hotspot, always choose secured networks that will require for a username and password for authentication before being allowed to access the network. This will ensure that the service that you are connecting to is a reliable and secure network and at the same time, access is restricted to only those who know the valid username and password. Encrypted wireless networks also offers added protection as it uses either WEP (wired equivalent privacy) or WPA (WiFi protected access) for security.
- Install and turn on firewall settings on your devices. Before using your laptop in a public hot spot, make sure that firewall has been installed and turned on.
- Turn off WiFi Ad-hoc mode. Turning this off will not allow automatic access or connection to your device without your authority.
- Use Virtual Private Networks (VPN) if available. VPN encrypts all inbound and outbound traffic making data difficult to intercept.
- Use strong passwords. Always make use of strong passwords for accounts that you access in your laptop, like your email. Do not use common information for your password like your birthday, middle name, etc but instead use combination of alphanumeric characters to create strong passwords.
- Always make use of https URLs. When inputting sensitive date using your mobile device or laptop like bank details, credit card information and the like, make sure that the site uses https URL. What this mean is that all data and information going in and out of the site is encrypted using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) making it more secure.
Establishments providing ptmp networks to their clients are expected also to use devices and solutions that offer extra security features to avoid any hacking incident while using their wireless network. Here are some of these devices which are available from Winncom.com:
- Motorola 802.11n. This solution is applicable for those who want to create wireless broadband connections across cities or within campuses.
- Proxim Wireless LAN. This solution provides speed that is double the speed of a wired network.
- Proxim High-Capacity Mesh Radios. This allows for voice and video over WiFi.
By following the steps listed above, partnered with the right device and solution from Winncom.com, will definitely ensure a safe and secure WiFi surfing for all users.