Over the last year, I suffered two window system crashes and found myself combating numerous viruses and PC attacks. It seemed that no-matter what I did, or how often I updated my virus protection software and made sure my firewalls were active, I would wake up morning after morning to find another intrusive virus of some sort had managed to land in my life –and my computer.

On a recommendation, I turned to Mr. Whale and inquired about the service of ABS in hopes that his service could add that extra layer of protection necessary to stop the madness and frustrations associated with protecting my PC. I am happy to report that ever since ABS took on the responsibility of eliminating spam and protecting my PC, I have been virus free -and no longer fear turning on my computer in the morning. And that's why I wanted to share this with you...

Secure your Wireless Access Point

By Guest Blogger: Albert E. Whale, Network & Security Expert,
Senior Consultant & President of ABS Computer Technology, Inc.

If you have an Internet connection with your Cable, Telephone, or local Internet Service Provider (ISP), then you were probably given a Wireless Router (such as a Linksys or D-Link brand), which will permit you to connect to the Internet with your personal laptop computer.

While everyone likes the convenience of the wireless routers to access the Internet, few are aware of the dangers of not using the proper security (or any of the security which is built into the wireless routers).

I recently performed a scan of the Access Points (APs) visible from my Home. Many of the APs I identified could be easily connected to from our home. If you have a wireless connection, you may be inviting visitors that you did not know exists.

While the Wireless Routers have given us the convenience of permitting us to connect our computer together without cables, many of are not aware of the potential for others to gain access to our internet connection without our knowledge.

Suffice it to say that there many websites dedicated to mapping the APs of the world for others to find. This process is called War Driving, and has been the subject of security experts internationally for many years. In the process of returning from a recent business trip which I installed Wireless Security for a company, I decided to review the wireless APs available in my community.

I was amazed at the number of open APs, and the number of APs without any security. If you do nothing more after reading this page, I hope that you improve the security on your AP. After all, would you just place your checkbook on the front door for others to use? Leaving your access point open is practically doing the same thing.

OK so you are sharing your home network with a friend, and you think that the security on your PC will protect you, right? Wrong. Security on PCs has been described as being as efficient as a screen door in a submarine. Technically, it’s a door, but it will never hold water.

This year, make sure that you spend five extra minutes to secure your Internet Connection. If you cannot do it yourself, then please be sure to call someone else to assist you. The connection that you secure can protect your personal information.

For much more information read the entire report available on-line at ABS-CompTech.com. Select the Library, and then select the wireless security report.