Take steps to shield computer from rogue networks

How Do I … protect my computer from wireless “rogue” networks?

With wireless networks showing up everywhere, it’s not uncommon to turn on your computer and find new unusually named, previously unnoticed Wi-Fi networks available to you, whether at home or on the road.

In some instances those are vestiges from previously used Wi-Fi networks. Your computer, along with that of anyone else nearby, is broadcasting the name – not the signal – of networks it once used, whether that network is really there or not at that moment. In general, those are harmless and pose no threat.

Even so, it’s possible some of those signals – especially in public areas – could be serious security risks. Rogue networks or “evil twins” are Wi-Fi signals created to look like otherwise-normal Wi-Fi networks but in fact using that technique to find your computer’s IP address and access your computer.

There are a few steps to take to insure you don’t get victimized. First off, turn off file sharing if you’re using Wi-Fi in any area where it’s not your own secured network. Use a search engine or go through the Microsoft XP or Vista help files to make that change.

The other step is to lock out “ad-hoc” networks and disable any automatic logons to networks that fall within your range.

Here are the key steps in Windows XP: Go to “control panel” and then the “network connections” window. Right-click “wireless network connection” and then select “properties.” Choose the “wireless networks” tab, which will show a list of preferred Wi-Fi networks. If any have “(automatic)” after the name, select it and choose “properties.” Click the “connection” tab and uncheck “connect when this network is in range.” That stops instant auto logons. Click “close.”

That takes you back to the “wireless network connection” dialog box. Click again on the “wireless networks” tab and then choose the “advanced” button.

In that dialogue window choose “access point (infrastructure) networks only.” That should keep you from roaming off into potential ad-hoc (computer-to-computer) networks. If you have the “ad-hoc networks” button checked, uncheck it and close out.