A Router can provide incredible Computer Security
If you keep sensitive information on your computers, you may want to secure your wireless network even further than just the basic router configuration. You’ll need to make the following changes:
* Change the channel your router uses to transmit and receive data on a regularly basis.
* Restrict devices that can connect to the router by filtering out MAC (Media Access Control) addresses.
* Use encryption such as WEP and WPA.
As with most things in life, security is a trade off between cost which is time, money, inconvenience weighed against the benefit which is ease of use. It‘s a personal decision to make. However for the majority of home uses, the three basic steps mentioned above plus WEP/WPA encryption provides incredibly strong security.
Turning on the encryption is a two-step process. First you configure your router to use encryption using an encryption key of your choice. Next, you configure your computer to use the encryption key. The actual process of configuring your router for encryption varies from router to router. You’ll need to consult the router’s manual for the details.
There are even stronger methods for you to ensure security using a router. A strong and robust security method is RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service). Using RADIUS requires the purchase of additional hardware and software. However, there are companies that offer RADIUS security as a subscription based service. The fees are reasonable and they’re dropping.
Let’s say for example, you run a business on your wireless network, you have sensitive data on your computers such as credit card information, and you have a number of users who access your network, you should consider using RADIUS. Since the service sector for RADIUS is dynamic and growing, a search on the Internet with terms like RADIUS subscription or RADIUS service is probably the best way to locate one.
