FSU's University Computing Services

University Computing Services

YES! You need a FIREWALL
on your desktop computer! ... Didn't anyone tell you? Your desktop pc is very vulnerable without one, and You too are responsible for keeping hackers away from your network.
Get ZoneAlarm free! Anyone can install it easily.
Critical MS Windows update patches are imperative.
Recovery tips. If you have a disaster that damages your desktop pc, what will you do? Have a plan now!
Tips to Fight Spam.
Spam Report Card 2004.

Want to warn everyone you know about the latest Virus Warning you recieved on email today?! ... Before you do, please look up the email (search on a few selected keywords) to be sure it isn't a hoax or a virus. Be smart, do BE the virus, by forwarding the bogus email to everyone in YOUR address book!

For more security info, go to www.us-cert.gov

The following is provided as information ONLY.
UCS and FSU do not support routers installed by non-UCS employees.
Remember, wireless routers are NOT allowed in dorms.

1. Download the latest firmware for your wireless router.
Firmware is software that's embedded in a hardware device - in this case,
your wireless router. The firmware that comes with your wireless router or
wireless access point may be out of date. Download the latest firmware to
ensure the best security and performance.

As security vulnerabilities are discovered, patches to stop them are
developed. These patches are often included in firmware updates. If you're
using the default firmware that came with your wireless router, there could
be several known security holes that could allow someone to hijack your
Internet connection, view the files on each of your networked computers and
even steal passwords or credit card numbers.

Most of today's wireless routers allow for firmware updates, and the process
is quite simple. Check the web site for your wireless device manufacturer
for instructions on obtaining the latest firmware and how to install it.

2. Change the administrator password
Your wireless router's default password should be changed immediately. All
wireless routers are shipped with the same administrator user name and
password. If you have any trouble changing this setting, check your wireless
router's user guide.

3. Change your SSID and turn of SSID Broadcasting
Your wireless router comes with a default SSID (Wireless Network Name), and
one of the first things you should do is change that SSID. By having a
non-default SSID, you're making it harder for unauthorized connections to
your network.

By allowing your SSID to broadcast, you make it easy to add additional
devices to your wireless network. However, you also make it easy for anyone
with a wireless device to gain access to your network.

When you turn SSID broadcasting off, your wireless devices will have to be
configured with the exact SSID that you have specified in your wireless
router.

4. Enable WEP
WEP encrypts data both to and from your wireless clients, making it harder
for others to peek in on what you're doing. WEP should be enabled, and
ideally you should use the strongest key possible, which is usually 128-bit.

5. Limit access by MAC addresses
Every network card, both wired and wireless, has a unique address assigned
to it from the manufacturer. This identifier is called a MAC address. By
setting your wireless router to only allow connections from specific MAC
addresses, you're greatly improving the security of your wireless network.
Once you know each of the MAC addresses for your network cards, check the
support Web site of your wireless router manufacturer for instructions on
using MAC address security.

For help figuring out what your network card's MAC address is:

(for Windows 95/98/98SE/ME)

Click the Start button, and select Run. In the space provided, enter
winipcfg and click OK.
Select your network card from the drop down list.

Your MAC address will be displayed in the Adapter Address field and your IP
address will be displayed in the IP Address field.

Click the Start button, and select Run. In the space provided, enter cmd and
click OK.
At the command line, enter ipconfig /all.

Your MAC address will be displayed as the Physical Address and your IP
address will be displayed as the IP Address.