WiFi Protection

[Warrior-Mentor]

Just got a new laptop with WiFi. I've heard that it can distro nasty viuses quickly.

What recommendations for virus protection are required/recommended beyond normal Norton Anti-Virus?

Firewall?

Something else?

[jfhiller]

A firewall would definitely be good. Zonelabs free firewall, ZoneAlarm, is very highly rated and pretty easy to manage. Paying for the updgrade to Pro is even better. However, if you're using wireless in a public place, you almost have to assume that your security is compromised. It doesn't take an enormously competent hacker to "sniff" the traffic and intercept anything you send/receive. It takes a bit more skill to actually get past your firewall into your machine, but it's definitely possible. (these are true of a "plugged in" home computer, too, by the way). I would recommend always keeping the wireless capability turned completely off when you're not using it -- and if you're making purchases online over wireless at the airport or something, keep a good eye on your credit card statement

I actually tend to be less careful than I should be and haven't noticed any problems yet. However, I'm probably a less desirable "target" than an SF officer.

[EX-Gold Falcon]

PC or Apple?


Travis

[Solid]

WM,
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

is a program you should have and use periodically, it will pick up a lot of the less-malicious spyware/sniffers you will download from the net. Just run it once every two weeks and you're GTG. I still use the free version and get great coverage.

Norton Antivirus 06 is the most important defence your computer has, so as long as that subscription is paid and you have it updating and scanning the computer bi-weekly, you should be fine (knock on wood).

JMO,

Solid

You will also want to turn off Windows file and printer sharing if you are using nets where there may be untrustworthy people. This you do in the control panel under network connections and the properties for your wireless.

I second the firewall proposition.

M

[Warrior-Mentor]

Originally Posted by EX-Gold Falcon

PC or Apple?


Travis

PC. Thanks for the tips guys.

Was hoping Dan and FS would chime in as well...

[sf11b_p]

WEP or WPA/WPA2 encrypted access also.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access

And you might run Ewido to check for malware, free download and trial.

http://www.ewido.net/en/

[chittnp]

Wireless security is a topic I have alot of experience with. Let me take this opportunity to get you some of the basics so you can understand what your dealing with.

Wireless -WiFi-(802.11 A/B/G) operates in teh 2.4 GHz spectrum, the same as many older cordless phones. It uses this spectrum because it is an unliscensed spectrum, set aside for consumer use.

The real danger of wifi comes not from Viruses, but from Data or network exploitation. If you leave your network unsecured, anyone within a few hundred feet can hop on your network, and email the whitehouse a nice little bomb threat...and guess who's IP address will show up? Yours! You will have a visit from the FBI if this happens.

In your case, lets think of it as simply a replacement for the Ethernet (cat-5) cable that you would normally use. In order to use it, you need a Wireless Access Point (WAP) or a Wireless router. This is your bridge between your computer and your modem. If you dont plan on using it, the best thing to do is disable the radio on the laptop. Look for something like "Broadcom Chipset" in your windows start menu, under programs. theres also a keyboard short cut, hold down the FN key and press the button with the picture of an antenna on it (looks like a 3 pronged Y with a bar over it).

If you'd like to use it, I reccomend using it with a Linksys product, specifically the linksys WRT54G router. Its a personal preference only, I've had great luck with the Linksys Products.

Your first step when you get the router is once its plugged in an running, and WiFi is turned on on your laptop, from either the laptop or a Desktop that is Hardwired into the router, open a webbrowser and tye 192.168.1.1 into the address bar. This should get you to a password prompt. On the Linksys gear, Username and password are both admin . Then using the tabs on top, go to wireless security, change the SSID from linksys to whatever you like. Everyone with a wireless connection will see what you name it. You can Disable SSID broadcast, but I've run into connection issues doing that. Be sure to click the save button at the bottom. Next you want to change the channel it uses, you'll have a few choices, pick anything but the default one. save again. Next Enable WPA encryption...not WEP! Google "wep cracking" and you can get a piece of software that will break 128 bit wep in few hours.WPA is significantly harder to crack....for now. Follow the instructions in your documentation that came with the router and you will be up and running with relatively few problems.

One of the nice things about the Linksys router is that it has a built in, hardware firewall, its a very handy thing to have! Use this in connection with your favorite Antivirus ( I like AVG ForFree) and you will be Safer than 90% of the people who already use wireless.

I hope this helps you out, its the least I can do for providing me with the Get Selected book. Please feel free to ask me any other questions you have

[jfhiller]

Great resources (FAQs) for Wireless setup and security from TomsHardware.com (one of the best tech review sites around)

Wireless Setup and Config

Wireless Security

And here's one on "sniffing" wireless network traffic that I mentioned above:
Sniffing the Air

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Warrior-Mentor

PC. Thanks for the tips guys.

Was hoping Dan and FS would chime in as well...

Sir, Folks here have added good info thus far.

#1 Anti-Virus and Firewall for any computer...even one on dial-up

I recommend Symantec's Norton Internet Security (NIS) 2006 because it has added support for malware/adware/etc...you still may want to run something like the Lavasoft Adaware periodically as mentioned earlier.

#2 When using NIS you will be asked if you want to join the wireless network. If your at home then you should be fine with using their preset "Home" profile. If your away on most all other wireless networks, make sure you select a more restrictive profile like "Away" to limit the ports accessible.

#2a Make sure you immediately get any and all NIS updates.

#2b Make sure your OS software is updated.

#3 If you want to setup your own wireless network router you need to secure things. Here's some basic steps to do:

- To protect your privacy buy a router where all wireless transmissions can be encrypted with industrial-strength Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) security...WPA2 is best. I have setup and used many different brand name of routers, but I have always gravitated back to LinkSys routers for ease of use and quality product. You want 802.11G (this is backwards compatible with 802.11 A and B. The speed booster stuff isn't worth the money they want for it, especially if your a road warrior.
- When you get the router make sure it is flashed with the latest firmware. Login to the router with your browser using a Cat5 cable instead of wireless and check the firmware version # with the router maker's web site (i.e. www.linksys.com look for "support" then "Downloads" then select the exact model to compare. Make sure you have the exact model before flashing the router).
- Once you have the router flashed or if not required then first reset the router login username/password so your neighbor can't change your router settings on you. Relogin and then enable WAP or preferred WAP2. Don't use a simple password phrase...the harder the better.i.e. @#23WErt which incorporates special characters, numbers, upper and lower case letters.
- Turn on router logging.

#4 Periodic checks:
- review your router logs to see what is normal and what isn't. Then watch for abnormalities.
- Subscribe to your router manufacturer's firmware update emails or periodically check your router's web site for new firmware
- Make absolutely sure your AV/Firewall software is current!!!

I could go on and on with security things. I hit the large items you need to know for Wireless and a few router tips. You need to use resources that are available for you and learn more about PC security in general. I recommend you subscribe to email alerts at http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html and for basic security tips / knowledge read this article: http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/...work-security/

Hope this helps...stay alert stay alive and so will your PC! If you have specific security questions holler, Dan

[Warrior-Mentor]

Thanks for the advice. Had no idea how much was involved. Appreciate pointing me in the right direction. Will dig into the links and get back as I research.
Thanks again,
JM