Security

Wireless Best Practices - Windows Vista

The following tips are provided for Microsoft Windows Vista only. The specific settings mentioned in these tips may not be available in other operating systems, unless they are provided in the wireless adapter's configuration utility.

First, you must be connected to the wireless network that you wish to secure. Then, you need to access your computer's wireless configuration.

Step 1

Open the Start Menu, and select Control Panel.

Step 2

Click "View network status and tasks" under the Network and Internet section of the Control Panel.

Step 3

The wireless network to which you are connected will be listed in the Network and Sharing Center (shown below). In parenthesis to the right of the network name, the network connection will be designated as a "Private network" or a "Public network". Unless you trust all of the computers connected to the wireless network, we recommend that you configure the connection as a "Public" network. This signals the Windows firewall to prevent your computer from being discovered on the network, which in turn, helps prevent your computer from being attacked by viruses and other malicious software.

Ask yourself, "Am I certain that every computer connecting to this network is free of viruses or other malicious software that might infect or otherwise harm my computer?" If you are not certain, then you should configure the network as a "Public" network. This applies to WVU's networks as well. Remember there are over 20,000 students using the University's networks, and unfortunately, some of them are infected by viruses and other malicious software.

To designate the network connection as a "Public network", click the "Customize" link to the right of the network name.

Step 4

In the Set Network Location dialog, select "Public" under "Location Type", and click Next. Windows will indicate that the network settings were successfully changed. Click Close to return to the Network and Sharing Center.

Step 5

Click "Manage wireless networks" in the Tasks panel on the left-hand side of the Network and Sharing Center.

Step 6

In the Manage Wireless Networks dialog box, double-click the first wireless network listed to display its Properties dialog.

 

Step 7

Although it is the default setting, we recommend that "Connect automatically when this network is in range" is not checked. This allows you to control if or when you connect to a wireless network. "Connect even if the network is not broadcasting" should not be checked either. Once you have verified the settings are correct, click OK.

Step 8

Repeat Steps 6 and 7 for each wireless network listed.