802.11 Security

OS Protection

The next thing you should do is download the latest service pack and security patches from Microsoft for the version of Windows you are using. Check Microsoft’s site for new patches on a regular basis, or use the Windows Update tool. New patches are released quite frequently.

Beyond this, you should look into the various techniques for locking down Windows. The NSA has published guides for Windows 2000 and Windows NT that are available at http://nsa1.www.conxion.com/. Windows 95, 98, and ME were not designed for secure operation in a networked environment, and it’s probably best to use a more recent version of Windows if possible. Microsoft’s resources on security are all indexed at http://www.microsoft.com/security and http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/security.

Virus Protection

One of the primary security hazards to Windows computers is infection with a virus, Trojan, or worm. Run anti-virus software. There is no excuse for not doing this when using Windows. Ensure that the anti-virus software’s virus database is regularly updated; use an automatic update system if supported by the software.

Firewall

Windows, with the exception of Windows XP, does not come with a built-in firewall. There are many firewall products on the market that provide various types of protection. Some integrate virus checking and other security features. Shop around and read reviews to find one that meets your needs. (Our current favorite is Tiny Personal Firewall. You can download ...