Best wireless computer security tips?

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Protecting computers from hackers and harmful viruses, spyware and malware is extremely important in keeping information confidential and preventing computer problems. Accessing the Internet wirelessly, especially in a public place or “hot spot,” leaves unprotected computers exposed to a variety of wireless computer security threats. One of the best ways to stay safe when using wireless internet is to use firewalls to protect your folders. Practice security when using the Internet by using encryption on home wireless routers; avoid typing confidential information and only visit safe websites when possible.

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your wireless computer secure is to use a firewall. Windows®-based computers have a built-in firewall that can be turned on through the “Security” option in the Control Panel. Many antivirus programs also include firewalls and some users choose to use these firewalls instead of the windows firewall. Enabling a firewall while accessing the wireless Internet protects computers by forcing incoming information to pass through a checkpoint so that malicious programs and other computers with malicious intent cannot access the user’s PC.

Disabling folder sharing before using a public Internet connection improves the security of your wireless computer. Windows® users can disable file sharing through the “Network and Sharing Center” option in Control Panel. Computers running newer operating systems make folders private by default. Windows® folders that contain particularly sensitive information can be further protected by encryption, which means that the user must enter a password before being able to access the folder. This option can be accessed by right-clicking the folder, selecting “Properties” and choosing “Advanced” in the pop-up window.

Hackers and malicious programs can install keyloggers on a computer. These programs track the user’s keystrokes and are the best way for hackers and other criminals to gain access to a user’s financial information and passwords. While using firewalls and secure connections greatly reduces the risk of keyloggers being installed in the first place, wireless computer security is strengthened by not typing particularly sensitive information, such as bank information, when using a public wireless network to access to the internet.

Limiting the use of wireless Internet to secure sites is an excellent way to increase wireless computer security. Many sites allow users to connect over a secure connection, which encrypts data and makes it much more difficult for hackers and unwanted programs to access information from the site. Users should look for “https” at the beginning of a web address to ensure they are connecting to a secure site. Many email providers have an option that users can select to always use a secure connection.

Perhaps the best way to promote wireless computer security at home is to make sure your wireless routers are configured correctly. Most routers are easy to set up and use, but the router’s default settings often provide only minimal security. The setup software that comes with all commercially available routers usually has an option for the user to set up encryption. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption types are more secure than Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). The software also allows users to set a router password. Changing the default password prevents unwanted users from accessing a home router to change settings or access connected computers.

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