 Leaving your wireless network unprotected could be an open door for nosy neighbors—or worse—mobile malicious attackers searching for wireless networks to hijack, a practice known as wardriving. It's not uncommon for a home user with a wireless-enabled computer to pick up a wireless network signal, often inadvertently, from a next-door neighbor's access point.  What is "wardriving"?This term means to cruise down streets with a wireless computer or other radio-enabled device attempting to locate, identify, and infiltrate wireless networks. A wardriver who accesses your network could anonymously hijack your Internet connection, steal personal information stored on your network, intercept file transfers, or even use your computer as a "zombie" to send out spam or malicious software that could be traced back to you. Fortunately, by following a few best practices you can significantly decrease your vulnerability to these attacks. Tips to help protect your wireless networkIf you aren't sure how to do some of these, ask someone with computer experience that you trust to help (the person who first set up the wireless network is a good choice), visit Microsoft Support, or drop by our friendly Security Community. | • | Encrypt all information transmitted through your access point. | | • | Specify the computers your access point will only recognize using Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. | | • | Add a firewall to your network access point and to each computer on the network and keep all of them current (note that the latest version of Windows XP features a built-in firewall). | | • | Avoid storing passwords, social security numbers, credit card numbers, details about family members, or other personal information on your computer. | | • | Place the wireless access point away from windows and near the center of your house to decrease the signal strength outside of the intended coverage area. | | • | Keep Windows and related security tools current using Automatic Updates. | | • | Consider using a comprehensive security service like Windows Live OneCare, which is free for 90 days. | | • | Use antispyware software, such as Windows Defender. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP SP2, you can download Windows Defender for no charge.
| | • | Revisit established and trusted computer security organizations and sites to stay current with the latest security technologies, methods, alerts, and related information. | | • | If you are unable to use encryption, connect to your wireless access point with a network cable when sending financial or other critical information over the Internet. |
Although no method is 100% secure, you can help deter or prevent unauthorized access by applying these basic steps to deter others looking to steal personal information, Internet access, or even send out spam e-mail in your name.
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