Upgrade Wireless Network Security

This updated guide examines Upgrade Wireless Network Security and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Figure 1 : Setting up WPA2 security for router / gateway.

AUTOMATIC SECURITY Although Windows 2000 and earlier versions of Windows do not support WPA2 security, you can still secure your wireless network with help from some useful tools.

Figure 2 : Secure your wireless network with McAfee's Wireless Home Network Security utility.

McAfee Wireless Home Network Security ($ 80) is software that can configure Wi-Fi security for multiple wireless gateways and supports up to three network networks (Figure 2). The company lists the devices it supports at www.mcafee.com/router. Although WPA2 is not yet supported, this software can overcome some of the disadvantages of the WPA standard (such as using a static key, which makes it easier to crack). The program automatically generates and rotates through new keys on any computer on the network and on the gateway itself. In addition, another way to check the security of wireless networks is to use Marius Milner's free Netstumbler utility. Netstumbler not only helps you identify security "holes" on the network but also detects the source of the interference as well as identifies areas with weak signal. Kim Minh