Greetings!

Someone told me recently that all the rain we've been having lately is nearly over...  I looked outside and promptly replied "I don't believe you!" ;-)

That's what some of our new clients have told us after we tell them that their wireless network is not secure.  I'm talking wide open to the point that anyone could connect if they so desired.  Want to make sure your wireless is not being hacked?  Read on!

Loren Brewer
President, Wingenuity
http://www.wingenuity.com/


How safe is your wireless network?

The default installation for most wireless routers does not include setting up security, which means that over 75% of all wireless networks are NOT secure.  So unless you have taken deliberate steps to implement security, more than likely your wireless connection is at risk. It is important to lock down your network, so you can keep unwanted hackers and other pesky intruders out by restricting access to only the computers of your choice.

The most common way to secure a wireless signal is to encrypt it.  That just means that the data is all jumbled up as it is floating around in the air as it travels from one computer to another.  Since the data is all jumbled up, if there is someone attempting to "eavesdrop" on your data it won't mean anything to them.  There are many types of encryption standards (such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc), and rather than getting into all the technical details, suffice it to say that if you haven't had your router professionally installed or configured there is a good chance that your wireless network is prone to hackers.

Why is this so important?  Unauthorized access to your wireless signal can leave you open to prying eyes - eyes that are most likely looking for bank account statements, social security numbers, credit card numbers, and other such personal information.  Identity theft has become a serious problem, and one that should not be taken lightly when it come to prevention.

So how does one go about making sure their wireless network is secure?  The first thing to note is that if you have a wireless "key" that you need to type into your computer in order to gain access then your network is already encrypted.  That said, there are many types of encryption methods (as stated above), and they are not all created equal.  If one of the older / weaker encryption types has been used it may still be prone to being hacked.  It is imperative that a current encryption type (such as WPA or WPA2) be used so the security is strong enough to withstand experienced hackers.

If you need help implementing any of these suggestions just let us know, we would be glad to help you.  Simply call us at 574-848-5234 or email us at info@wingenuity.com and we'll take it from there!

Piranha Website Blocker - This Is Exciting!

We are excited to announce the immediate availability of a new website blocker service!  The Piranha Website Blocker works hand-in-hand with your anti-virus software and completely blocks your computer from accessing over 200,000 harmful sites such as virus, malware and phishing websites.  This is huge!  We've already had people sign up and they are thrilled with how well this is working for them.  This service is very reasonable at just $3 per month on one of our residential computer maintenance plans.  We also have a solution for our business clients.  Just reply to this message if you would like to sign up and we'll get you all set up!
 
Recycling Program

Just a quick reminder that Wingenuity now has a recycling program. Do you have computer equipment that you no longer use?  Bring it to us and we'll recycle it at no cost to you.  We have already had several people bring us their old equipment!