1. Enable the security settings (i.e. WEP) that come with your wireless router. The WEP security settings are easily enabled by using the management software or CD that ships with your wireless router. By enabling WEP security on the wireless router, you’re ensuring the data that flows between the router and wireless device (i.e. laptop computer) is protected.

2. Filter or register the MAC addresses (also know as the physical address or unique identifier of wireless device) you want to connect to your wireless router. This ensures that only your “friends and family” are able to access your wireless network -- not your neighbors. To find the MAC address (using Microsoft Windows) on your wireless device or laptop computer, follow these steps:

a. Choose the Start button at the bottom left of your computer’s toolbar b. Choose Run c. Enter the word command and click Ok d. In the next screen console, type ipconfig/all and hit the Enter key e. Find the wireless adapter information (may be described as Ethernet Adapter Wireless) f. The MAC address is the information that is labeled Physical Address Refer to the directions in your wireless router's manual or management software CD that ship with your wireless router to enable MAC address filtering.

3. When connecting to another wireless network or using your laptop computer’s Wi-Fi capabilities, ensure that it is not connecting to just ANY wireless network. To ensure this important security setting, follow these steps (in Microsoft Windows):

a. Choose the Start button at the bottom left of your computer’s toolbar b. Choose Control Panel c. Click on the Network Connections icon d. Under LAN or High Speed Internet, click on the Wireless icon e. Under Related Tasks on the left hand side, click on Change Advanced Settings f. In the Wireless Properties window, choose the Wireless Networks tab g. In the Wireless Networks tab, make sure the “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings” box is checked. h. Click the Advanced button at the bottom right of the Preferred networks section and make sure the “Automatically connect to non-preferred networks” box is NOT checked.

4. Use best practices for setting up passwords for any online transactions -- whether you’re using a wireless network or wired-side computer. See Microsoft's site for more information on examples of best practices.

5. Use only secure web sites when performing any online (monetary) transactions. The best way to identify these secure sites is to ensure that “https” is present in the address bar on your computer’s browser.

Chuck Conley Vice President, Marketing Newbury Networks, Inc.