Wireless basics – part 2

(Before reading this posit, you should read our earlier post located here.)

There are multiple types of wireless encryption, including WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (WiFi Protected Access), and WPA2.  Each type of encryption uses a different algorithm to prevent your password and network traffic from being visible to anyone outside your network.  WEP is fairly old and has become easier to break, over time.  It has since been succeeded by WPA and WPA2.  Though any wireless connection can be broken into with the right tools and knowledge, WPA and WPA2 are considerably more difficult to crack.  Not all devices are compatible with WPA2, but whenever it can be used, it will provide the strongest, fastest wireless connection of the three.

You wouldn’t want to allow random strangers into your home, and you should treat your wireless the same way.  Even if someone isn’t maliciously looking for YOUR wireless connection, it is not uncommon for people to see an unencrypted wireless network and decide to “steal” the internet connection you pay for, essentially adding traffic and potentially slowing down your entire network.  When setting up wireless in your home or business, be sure to set up wireless encryption.

This is only one of many ways to secure your network.  If you do not believe you have wireless encryption for your network, or if you want to make sure you have adequate network security in your home, please contact us, today.