Wireless Security

 

Wireless Access Issues
To determine if your wireless carrier or Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers an acceptable level of security, you should, at a minimum, get answers to the following questions:

  • Do they provide strong end-to-end encryption? Most wireless carriers and ISP's encrypt the communication from your device all the way through their systems and to the Internet. Some providers only encrypt the communication from your device to their systems, requiring them to decode ("decrypt") your message into normal text and then re-encrypt it before sending it through the Internet. 
  • Do they provide you with the ability to keep the Operating System ("OS") on your device up-to-date so you can take advantage of improvements in security technology such as intrusion prevention, firewalls, encryption, or other enhancements in technology? 

Important practices for using public wireless networks or "hot spots" are:

  • Exercise caution whenever you access Web pages or send email over a public wireless network. Because your transmissions are not on a secure or restricted network, it is possible for a hacker to capture your information right out of the air, or get in between communications between your computer and a Web site effectively seeing all of your online banking or other personal information.
  • Use a 128-bit Secure Socket Layer ("SSL") connection for all transactions involving the personal financial information. 
  • Read and understand the privacy and security policies of any public wireless network.

Wireless Device Issues
Use the same types of security measures and practices on your wireless device that you use for the PC in your home or office.

  • Enable password protection and don't store ID's or passwords on your device.
  • Configure your device to display your name and phone number so it can be returned in the event you lose it.
  • Configure your device to prevent the sharing of resources.  
    • Turn off unused services such as file sharing.
    • Disable Bluetooth access when not in use.
  • Only download applications from reputable sites, and never install any program on your device from a person or company that you do not recognize or that you are not expecting.
  • Download, install, and keep anti-virus/anti-Spyware software on your device. 
  • Keep your operating system up to date by downloading upgrades and patches from your carrier or ISP's Web site.