One of the keys to scammers' success is a constant flow of unsuspecting victims and now that so much information is available on the Internet, everyone is a target, whether you’ve been affected directly by the scams or not.

1. What is Phishing?
   
   
2. What are the different wireless network security methods?
   
   
3. How do I know if a wireless network is secure?
   
   

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1. What is Phishing?
   
   

   Phishing is the act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a Web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The Web site, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information.

   For example, 2003 saw the proliferation of a phishing scam in which users received e-mails supposedly from eBay claiming that the user’s account was about to be suspended unless he clicked on the provided link and updated the credit card information that the genuine eBay already had. Because it is relatively simple to make a Web site look like a legitimate organizations site by mimicking the HTML code, the scam counted on people being tricked into thinking they were actually being contacted by eBay and were subsequently going to eBay’s site to update their account information. By spamming large groups of people, the “phisher” counted on the e-mail being read by a percentage of people who actually had listed credit card numbers with eBay legitimately.

   Phishing, also referred to as brand spoofing or carding, is a variation on "fishing," the idea being that bait is thrown out with the hopes that while most will ignore the bait, some will be tempted into biting.

   
   
   
   

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2. What are the different wireless network security methods?
   
   

   If you plan to have a wireless network, you should set it up so that only people you choose can access it. Here are a few options for wireless network security.

   Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA)

   WPA encrypts information, and it also checks to make sure that the network security key has not been modified. WPA also authenticates users to help ensure that only authorized people can access the network.

   There are two types of WPA authentication: WPA and WPA2. WPA is designed to work with all wireless network adapters, but it might not work with older routers or access points. WPA2 is more secure than WPA, but it will not work with some older network adapters. WPA is designed to be used with an 802.1X authentication server, which distributes different keys to each user. This is referred to as WPA-Enterprise or WPA2-Enterprise. It can also be used in a pre-shared key (PSK) mode, where every user is given the same passphrase. This is referred to as WPA-Personal or WPA2-Personal.

   Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

   WEP is an older network security method that is still available to support older devices, but it is no longer recommended. When you enable WEP, you set up a network security key. This key encrypts the information that one computer sends to another computer across your network. However, WEP security is relatively easy to crack.

   Warning:
   We recommend using WPA or WPA2, they are more secure. If you try WPA or WPA2 and they don't work, try upgrading your network adapter to one that works with WPA or WPA2.

   802.1X authentication

   802.1X authentication can help enhance security for 802.11 wireless networks and wired Ethernet networks. 802.1X uses an authentication server to validate users and provide network access. On wireless networks, 802.1X can work with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA) keys. This type of authentication is typically used when connecting to a workplace network.
   
   
   
   

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3. How do I know if a wireless network is secure?
   
   

   There is no way to guarantee complete security on a wireless network. However, there are precautions you can take to help minimize security risks when you use a wireless network.

   • Whenever possible, only connect to wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate. The information sent over these networks is encrypted, which can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. When you view available wireless networks in Connect to a Network, you’ll see text indicating if a wireless network has security enabled or not.
   • Before you connect to a network provided by a wireless Internet service provider (ISP), such as a public network in a coffee shop or airport, read the privacy statement carefully and make sure that you understand which files, if any, are saved to your computer and what type of information the network provider collects from your computer.
   • If you connect to a network that is not secure, be aware that someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the websites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords you use. Make sure that you don't work on any company-sensitive information or visit password-protected areas of your business network while you are connected to that network.

   
   
   
   

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