Enable Authentication And Encryption; General Network Security Guidelines - SMC Networks SMCWUSB-N4 User Manual

Enable Authentication and Encryption

Authentication and encryption protect data sent and received over a wireless network. Your
Adapter supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) authentication and Wired Equivalent
Privacy (WEP) encryption. These features offer different levels of security for wireless
communication.
A network encrypted with WPA/WPA2 is more secure than a network encrypted with WEP,
because WPA/WPA2 uses dynamic key encryption. To protect data sent through the air,
enable the highest level of encryption supported by your network equipment.
WEP is an older encryption standard and may be the only option available on older devices
that do not support WPA.

General Network Security Guidelines

Wireless network security is useless if the underlying network is not secure. To secure your
wireless network:
Password protect all computers on the network and individually password protect

sensitive files.
Change passwords on a regular basis.

Install anti-virus software and firewall software.

Disable file sharing (peer-to-peer). Some applications may open file sharing without your

consent or knowledge.
Keep wireless routers, access points, or gateways away from exterior walls and

windows.
Turn off wireless routers, access points, or gateways when they are not being used,

such as at night or during vacations.
Use strong passphrases that are at least eight characters long. Combine upper-case and

lower-case letters and numbers, and do not use standard words found in the dictionary.
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
Getting Started
13