Avoid Wireless Network Downfalls

Everyone uses wireless networks, as they are a great convenience in connecting to the Internet. From Internet cafés to hotels to shopping malls and even all types of hotels and restaurants, wi-fi is a very common, available source. One issue users should be aware of is the fact that wi-fi is basically a radio wave and therefore very susceptible to hackers who can pick up wireless packets of information and exploit the data they discover. As more and more critical and vital information is sent over a wireless network, there is a much greater need for tighter security and practices.

Businesses and users who set up a wireless network or router currently have two options of security. Wireless Protected Access in the options of WPA and WPA 2 is a stronger and more secure option than WEP or Wired Equivalent Privacy. Security aware users should be very careful about the type of information they send over any wireless connection that is public. Important, critical data should be transmitted over a secure site which contains ‘HTTPS’ in the URL address. HTTPS is a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure method using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol with the SSL/TLS or Secure Socket Layer protocol to give encryption and a more secure server identification. In this type of connection, the browser used to make the connection will use preinstalled certificates, the certificate authority will vouch for legitimate websites only without names that could mislead the user, the website the user connects to all display a valid certificate as an invalid certificate will show the user a warning, the certificate being used will correctly identify the website being connected to, and the user can fully trust the encryption layer is unbreakable by any type of eavesdropper in the nearby vicinity.

Important, critical information should not be stored or retained when any type of device that is going to be used exterior of the secure network. It is very easy to lose or have a device stolen and end up in the wrong hands, especially if those hands have intent to do malicious harm. Any file sharing options that are turned on because you use your device on a home network should be turned off when you use the same device on a public wireless network or hot spot.

Any remote device such as a laptop or cell phone should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options turned off if you're not using either one of these two options. When turned on, your device will continue to send wireless signals allowing any hacker to immediately gain access to your data. If you see a location advertising free Wi-Fi you should remain very cautious as these type of sites have been set up by hackers to lure unsuspecting users. Evil twin Wi-Fi connections have also been used in this manner. It is very easy for a hacker to set up the road router with a name similar to legitimate Wi-Fi connections. By not paying attention to the actual name and allowing your device to automatically connect to it you are opening up your information to unwanted access.

Always keep both operating systems and any antivirus software up to date with the latest revisions or security fixes. By not doing either you leave vulnerabilities wide open to be exploited.

CISSP CBT training in the area of information security educates users and organizations in a very important area requiring stronger fortification. It is very easy to master pass over smaller issues that can be exploited in a moment's notice. The K Alliance training in the area of information security expounds on environmental security, operational security, telecommunications, network security, access control, security risk management, and other important information security topics.

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