Don’t assume that public “hot spots” are secure. You may want to assume that other people can access any information you see or send over a public wireless network.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Wireless internet access can offer convenience and mobility. However, there are steps you should take to protect your wireless network and the computers on it. Security experts at Video Surveillance Corp. offer these tips:

* Use encryption to scramble communications over the network. If you have a choice, WiFi Protected Access (WPA) is stronger than Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).

* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall.

* Most wireless routers have a mechanism called identifier broadcasting. Turn it off so your computer won’t send a signal to any device in the vicinity announcing its presence.

* Change the identifier on your router from the default so a hacker can’t use the manufacturer’s default identifier to try to access your network.

* Change your router’s pre-set password for administration to something only you know. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack.

* Allow only specific computers to access your wireless network.

* Turn off your wireless network when you know you won’t use it.

* Don’t assume that public “hot spots” are secure. You may want to assume that other people can access any information you see or send over a public wireless network.

About Video Surveillance Corp.
Launched in 1978, Video Surveillance Corp. (VSC) is a world-class commercial and residential security-systems integrator. A full-service alarm and surveillance provider, the Staten Island, N.Y.-based company is recognized as a leading specialist in identifying and plugging security gaps with tools ranging from high-tech entry-access technologies to alarm systems, off-site video and audio monitoring devices, and more.

To learn more about VSC, call 718-258-1310, send an e-mail to [email protected], or log onto www.videosurveillancecorp.com.