Many merchants lose credit card data simply because their wireless security is not up to par. Here are a few, simple tips that will help merchants attain a higher level of security.
In the security industry, one of the first things that is usually discussed is a router. Basically, most router devices are simple hardware firewalls. Although it does not come without flaws, a router is crucial when discussing the most basic levels of security.
Installing a router can often give a user a false sense of security. This is due to the fact that many users are uneducated on how to properly setup and install a router on their network. Many users today will setup a wireless router that will allow many devices to connect to it wirelessly.
One of the first steps that a user should take when a router is being installed is to ensure that the default password and SSID (SSID identifies your network, i.e. your network name) are changed. Wireless routers pose a challenge with the SSID broadcast enabled by default. This is great to have turned on when you are setting up your network, but after this has been done it is best practice to disable it.
Another great feature that is often over looked is MAC address filtering. This is an ID that is unique to the hardware itself. Without MAC address filtering enabled, any wireless device can connect to your network if they know your SSID.
Finally an encryption scheme should be used, such as WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) or, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). Most routers typically support both protocols and are an excellent way of slowing or stopping most attackers. While WEP is better to use than nothing at all, WPA is superior and resolves weaknesses that WEP has. The user will need to decide which encryption works best for their environment.
These are just a few basic tips that will help in making a users environment more secure and can be done with relative ease. Please make sure that you check with your manufacturer for best security practices and recommendations.
Posted by: Brandon Barney; Security Support Manager
In the security industry, one of the first things that is usually discussed is a router. Basically, most router devices are simple hardware firewalls. Although it does not come without flaws, a router is crucial when discussing the most basic levels of security.
Installing a router can often give a user a false sense of security. This is due to the fact that many users are uneducated on how to properly setup and install a router on their network. Many users today will setup a wireless router that will allow many devices to connect to it wirelessly.
One of the first steps that a user should take when a router is being installed is to ensure that the default password and SSID (SSID identifies your network, i.e. your network name) are changed. Wireless routers pose a challenge with the SSID broadcast enabled by default. This is great to have turned on when you are setting up your network, but after this has been done it is best practice to disable it.
Another great feature that is often over looked is MAC address filtering. This is an ID that is unique to the hardware itself. Without MAC address filtering enabled, any wireless device can connect to your network if they know your SSID.
Finally an encryption scheme should be used, such as WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) or, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). Most routers typically support both protocols and are an excellent way of slowing or stopping most attackers. While WEP is better to use than nothing at all, WPA is superior and resolves weaknesses that WEP has. The user will need to decide which encryption works best for their environment.
These are just a few basic tips that will help in making a users environment more secure and can be done with relative ease. Please make sure that you check with your manufacturer for best security practices and recommendations.
Posted by: Brandon Barney; Security Support Manager