As wireless devices gain in popularity with the introduction of wizbang gadgets like the Apple iPhone manufacturers of these devices struggle to make them easy to use while keeping the consumer protected.

Recently, I have been addressing this with a customer. He and his family recently entered the convenient world of wireless computing. The freedom to use your computer in and around your home as well as many of the thousands of public hotspots has opened a brand new world for many. However, all that convenience comes with risk. As we all know identity theft is on a the rise with no immediate end in sight.

So, what can you as a wireless device user do to protect your self? I’ll take a few minutes to give you some brief tips to help you avoid becoming the next statistic while enjoying your untethered connections.

First, let’s explore some terms that’ll help you better the methods used to steal your information from thin air and ways to protect yourself:

• encryption: the method used to scramble and unscramble data

• WEP/WPA/WPA2: wireless encryption methods used. Of the three, WEP is the weakest with many easy cracking instructions widely available on the internet. WPA2 using the AES encryption standard is currently the strongest of the three stable methods

• passphrase: the key that decrypts the data

• war driver: people who actively search for open, unencrypted wireless data

Therefore, to help protect your data assets, I recommend that you use the highest form of encryption possible on your devices, a strong passphrase and avoid using public hotspots to surf using sensitive data like bank or credit card numbers. If you would like us to design a total protection strategy for you, your family or organization, please submit a support ticket or call us at (615) 942-0821. We’ll help you stay safe and within budget.