So you have a wi-fi home network. Have you secured it? Or, did you just plug it in and started surfing? If you just plugged it in, chances are that you are giving your neighbors access to your network. I doubt if they will thank you for the freebie, so here are some steps to keep your wi-fi private and secure.

• If your access point is older than 2 or 3 years, it is time to replace it.  Most older access points do no adhere to the latest security protocols, such as WPA2 security (WEP and WPA security are pretty much out-dated and should be avoided).
• Please, please, PLEASE change the default SSID (service set identifier) and password that comes with the wireless access point.  The default values are generally simple and are listed on the manufacturer’s website.  Remember, use strong passwords that are not easy to guess.
• Turn off the auto-connect option.   Automatically connecting to networks is a good way to open up your computer to security risks.
• If your access point has a hardware firewall, enable and use it.
• When installing your access point, try to keep it in the center of your home.  That way, less of the signal leaks out of your house…And into the potential, greedy hands of thy  neighbors.  Nothing wrong with ’security through obscurity.’
• When you are not online, turn off the access point.  It is impossible to hack something that is not powered on.  Go a bit green; hook your access point, computers, monitors, printers to a power strip.  When not in use, turn the power strip off.  You can save some energy and help to protect your systems.

Thantos network