This article was originally written for the Selby Newsletter, but due to size limitations, was sent out separately.
You went ahead and bit the bullet; you got a DSL / Cable modem.
WOW!!! It is fast… even faster then at work (in most cases).
Now all the sudden everyone in the house wants to get on the internet from their own computer.
(5 years ago who thought everyone in a household would have their own computer).
But who wants to run cables throughout the house.
Wait, what's this about wireless networking?
The local computer store (or a friend) tells you about wireless networking.
Just plug in a box, you don't have to do any cabling and all the computers in your house can access the internet and share files, with one (yep one) connection.
This sound's too good to be true. Technology today is GREAT!!!!
So you go to Best Buy (Circuit City, CompUSA or whatever) and buy a wireless Router/Firewall, the salesperson tells you how easy it is. Just plug it in and follow the instructions.
You buy this “magic box”, open it up and the instructions are in “geek speak”(who the heck knows geek speak).
The instructions say that that if you say “OK” to everything, everything will work.
So you say “OK” to everything, and everything works.
WOW, networking is EASY, why do these “geeks” get so much money (heck anyone could have done this)?
Your internet is working and everyone can get on the internet, what could be easier?
Now The reality
Easy is not safe:
Would you write your bank account numbers on the front or your house?
Would you write your credit card numbers on the front of your house?
Would you share your “personal” eMail with your neighbors?
Do you have you have a “webcam” on any computer in your house?
If so …would you be willing to share what it can see with your neighbors?
(We hope you don't have a webcam in any bedrooms)
If you took the “easy” way out in configuring your wireless network (that magic box) then you have created an “Unsecured” wireless access point that anyone within 1/4 of a mile can connect to and you most likely vulnerable to the above issues.
When we moved into Selby, I did quick scan of the neighborhood and found OVER 150 wireless networks, but only 37 of those networks were secure. This means that 76% of the wireless networks in Selby are WIDE OPEN to anyone that wants to look around on your network. From the office in my house, my laptop sees 8 wireless networks (3 of which are secure).
A very interesting map of the wireless networks in Edgewater Area can be found at http://sgillis.com/edgewaterwireless/ as well as instructions for securing your network. If you have a wireless network, and would like it “scanned” for free, call or eMail Scott Gillis (info below). The web site also has free instructions for protecting yourself from Spam, adWare & SpyWare, and all those nasties that end up on your computer from the internet (as well as how to get rid of most the spam).
To be safe, get out the manual, and make sure your wireless network is secure.
Visit http://sgillis.com/wirelesssecurity.html for full instructions how to learn how to secure your network yourself.
Scott Gillis
3629 2nd Ave Edgewater, MD 21037
www.sgillis.com
sgillis@sgillis.com
410-789-0725 |
