If you or your I.T. service provider installed your network using default values, you are vulnerable to an attack by a freeloader (someone who just doesn’t want to pay for wireless access) or an eavesdropper (someone who just wants to show they can access your network). These intruders drive around neighborhoods and business areas looking for unprotected wireless networks.   They are generally not malicious, but if enough of them access your network, it will slow down your network.  Many other intruders are malicious and they will take your network and business down.

Why are you vulnerable to attack? The default values are widely known and easily available to anyone with internet access.  Don’t believe me? Do a google search on your favorite hardware provider (e.g. “Linksys default SSID”). To secure your wireless network, change the default settings to a unique value for the following 4 areas:

-          Administrator id and password. Most networks have a web based interface which is easily accessible to a hacker. If a hacker knows your admin id and password they can access your network and lock you out. Save the new id and password in a safe place. Don’t lose them.

-          SSID. The SSID identifies the name of your network.  Choose a unique name.

-          SSID Broadcast should be set to “No” or “Off”. Broadcasting the SSID makes it easy for friendly computers to find your network. However, it also makes it easy for the intruders to find.

-          Encryption Keys.  All access points use some type of encryption to protect your data transmissions. The easiest way to change a key is to come up with a passphrase (similar to a password) and allow the software to generate a new encryption key.  You will share the passphrase with users you wish to allow access to your network. Since all computers have the same encryption methods, a new computer will be able to generate the same new encryption keys.

If you’re uncertain about these settings, contact your I.T. service provider or the person who installed your network for assistance.

Wishing you safe passage through the I.T. Minefield!

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This topic is discussed in greater detail in Navigating the I.T. Minefield: Straight Talk for the Small Enterprise. To purchase your copy, please visit http://bit.ly/SNL4W.

Leslie Knight is a small business consultant with over 20 years of experience in Information Technology management in Fortune 500 companies.  She applies her experience in Corporate America saving them millions to smaller entrepreneurial enterprises. She is also the author of Navigating the I.T. Minefield.