Securing Your Wireless Network

 

When you set up a wireless network in your house, the broadband signal is sent out from your router - it’s no longer necessary to physically connect your computer to your modem using an ethernet cable, and your network is no longer contained by the walls of your house. While this is great for you, it creates a whole new set of security challenges; protecting your wireless network is essential if you want to keep your connection private and hacker-free.

How do I check if my wireless network has security?

Go to My Network Places and scan for your wireless network. In the list that appears, there should be a picture of a padlock next to the name of your network. If there is no padlock, then your network is open and you need security.

An open network means that anyone within reach of the signal - which usually travels around 100 metres - can connect to the internet using your broadband connection. This could result in piggybacking users slowing your connection down and using up your download allowance. Or even worse, an open wireless network also leaves you open to hackers who can easily gain access to your files.

How do I secure my wireless network?

You need a wireless encryption key. This is a series of numbers and letters, working like a password to turn data into a code before it’s sent, making hacking more difficult. The most commonly used methods are:

• WEP with 64bit or 128bit encryption strength - a simple encryption that offers limited security and is relatively easy to break
• WPA-PSK (WPA-Personal) - in the forms of WPA-TKIP which offers better security and is backwards compatible with older routers and USB keys, and WPA2-AES which offers the best security and performance but less compatibility

Is there anything else I can do?

As well as having an encryption key, there are a few other steps you can take to protect your wireless network:

• Firewall - either built into your router or as software on your PC, this will help to protect you from hackers
• Anti-virus software - such as Norton or McAfee, to protect you from computer viruses
• Anti-spyware software - to prevent spyware from collecting personal information about you
• Anti-phishing - to alert you if you have visited a listed fraudulent website

You should also regularly run live updates on windows and your anti-virus to ensure that your security is always up-to-date.

Source: www.broadbandchoices.co.uk

            If you are serious about your home security you need to consider a many different factors such as an alarm system and a secure wireless network. Contact Free Alarms for a custom quote that will cover your home security needs.

Tips for Carrying Cash

Staff with responsibility for taking cash to the bank or transporting valuables will always be vulnerable to robbery.

But you can take a number of precautions to reduce the risks involved and make your cash less inviting to thieves.

Staff with responsibility for taking cash to the bank or transporting valuables will always be vulnerable to robbery.

But you can take a number of precautions to reduce the risks involved and make your cash less inviting to thieves.

One of the top rules for people who take cash to the bank is to have someone with you on every trip because robbers are much more likely to attack a single person. When there are two of you, it’s also more likely that one can get away to raise the alarm. 

Another very important routine is to have no routine! This means varying the time of day that you go to the bank and varying the route taken – whether you go on foot or by car.

Although you will always be at risk from opportunist criminals, most organised robbers watch their potential victim for at least a couple of days in advance.

If you use the same route every time, they can plan their attack much more effectively. They will look for points on the route where you are vulnerable – such as a quiet side street where you always park the car or the stairwell down from a multi-storey car park.

You will make things harder for them by using at least three different routes and alternating between them on different days so there is no pattern for robbers to follow.

• Never advertise the fact that you are carrying cash. Instead of using a briefcase or bank cash bags, disguise the fact that you are transporting valuables by carrying it in an office box file, a strong shopping bag or even an inside coat pocket if there isn’t too much.
• Make criminals aware that your cash is protected – for example, by dye which will be released when stolen. This makes the money unusable so they are likely to look for another target. Advertise your security precautions by putting up posters in the customer areas of your building.
• Bank only during good daylight hours if possible.
• If you think someone is following you, pull over to the side of the road to see if they drive on. When walking, watch in the windows of shops you pass to see if the same person is behind you for a long time
• If you’re on foot and suspect you are being followed, walk into any open business premises to see if the person behind carries on walking and obviously, be on your guard if you see someone in a motorcycle helmet or wearing headgear which obscures their face
• Remember that a robber might be very nervous, unpredictable or high on drink or drugs. Don’t do anything to anger or upset him. Hand over the cash calmly if he demands it. If a robber simply runs up and grabs the bag, don’t try to hang onto it. Let go immediately

Ensuring the safety of your money and staff when they are off your premises is not always in your control which makes it even more important to do all you can when it is in your control. Contact Free Alarms for a quote on an alarm system for your business.

A Culturally Appropriate Lifestyle

On joining the Peace Corps volunteers are expected to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle that will promote their safety and the people around them. This can include a broad spectrum of life choices such as clothing, living arrangements, entertainment and even the company you keep.

This sentiment is not just applicable to people living in foreign countries. When relocating to a new city, neighbourhood or even when shopping in a different area, you should take note of the local ways and adapt accordingly. 

Relocating from a rural to an urban area can be somewhat of a culture shock in regards to safety measures. Talking to the neighbours is a good way to get a sense of the safety but it is always advisable to consult an accredited security company.  

Source: www.peacecorps.gov

How to Test an Alarm System

An alarm system is an essential element in all households. Whether one lives in the big city or the platteland one cannot put all ones faith in locks that can be picked and dogs that can be poisoned. 

That said an alarm system also needs some maintenance. It is advised that one tests an alarm system once a month. Which is relatively low maintenance compared to cleaning up after a dog.

Keep your alarm system’s manual handy when testing your alarm.  

1.    Read the manual thoroughly. While you can use a toaster after throwing its manual away it is advised to always keep the alarm system’s manual on hand.

2.    Familiar yourself with the procedure for testing from the manual.

3.    Memorise the disarm code and other procedures of disarming the alarm system.

4.    Consult with your service provider, Free Alarms, if you are uncertain.

5.    Warn all the people of the household of the alarm test

6.    Close and lock all protected doors as if you are about to leave the house and want it to be secure.

7.    Run the test operation on your system. When everything is ready, go ahead and punch in the keys to activate the test mode.

8.    Test each sensor. Some systems will systematically tell you which sensors to check. Go throughout your house tripping every sensor to make sure the signal to the controller is strong. Listen for the alarm when you trip a sensor

9.    Remember to re-alarm your system after the test has been completed.

10. Do not forget to test the non digital aspects of your security system such as locks, deadbolts, chains, windows, entry points and of course the health of the dog.

Source: www.ehow.com

S

Code of Ethics

As an authorised dealer of Chubb security, Free Alarms is subject to their code of ethics. This is something we take very seriously. 

The underpinnings of ethical business practices at Chubb are the following:

·         We will obey the law.

·         We will act in good faith.

·         We will consider the impact of our decisions on our stakeholders and seek fair resolutions.

·         We will communicate openly and effectively with our stakeholders.

·         We will seek always to build trust, show respect, and perform with integrity.

SAP tips on safety in your home

• Keep all your doors and security gates locked all the time, even when there is more than one person at home. All main doors should be fitted with strong locks.
  
  
• Keep your garden well lit and trees and plants trimmed to eliminate any possible hiding places.
   
• Ensure that your house’s street number is clearly marked on your wall/fence/gate so that it can be easily seen by emergency service personnel/the police who may need to get to you.
   
• Often the South African Police Service has a police helicopter in the air to dispatch to emergencies in progress. To enable the helicopter to easily identify your home, consider painting your house’s street number on the roof of your house. The number should be at least 400 mm by 400 mm in size and should be painted in a colour that is easily distinguishable from the colour of the roof.
   
• If you are able to install additional security devices, do so as every deterrent helps! Consider installing a burglar alarm and panic buttons, burglar bars and security gates as well as remote control gates and garage doors to prevent you from having to step out of your car when leaving and returning home.
   
• When you go away on holiday, cancel all newspaper and magazine deliveries. Try to install timers that will automatically switch lights on and off in your house to make it appear as if there is someone at home in the evenings. Call upon a reliable friend to house-sit for you if possible. Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your home and do the same for them in return.
   
• It is your right to see the identification cards of callers who claim to be government or municipal officials or even police officers. Even if they are in uniform, insist on it! If they refuse, order them to leave your property immediately and report the matter to the police.
   
• Never open the door to strangers and alert your family members or friends if you are sending someone unknown to their house.
   
• Keep cash, valuables and firearms in safe boxes that are securely bolted down.
   
• Make it difficult for criminals to function in your neighbourhood! Report any suspicious persons, noises or sounds to the police immediately. Remember to listen for neighbours’ dogs barking unusually late in the evening or early in the morning.

Source: South African Police Service

Hijacking Safety Tips

 

Take Precautions :

• Know your environment.
• Get to know who belongs in the vicinity of your home or workplace and who does not.
• Keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary.
• Lock all doors and close windows before driving off.
• Try to vary your route to places you visit regularly.
• Ensure all your mirrors are adjusted to give you an optimal all-round view of your surroundings.
• Try to stop about 5m behind the car in front of you at a stop sign or traffic light – it makes for an easier getaway if trouble arises.

Don’t be fooled by:

• False appeals for help.
• “Accidents” such as having you car rammed from behind.
• Someone trying to get help from a stationary car.
• Your electric gates being jammed

  Prevent Hijacking When Parking Your Vehicle:

• Check your rear-view mirror to ensure that you are not being followed.
• When returning home after dark, ensure that there is an outside light on or have someone meet you at the door.
• When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of anything that may be concealing a hijacker.
• Never sit in your parked car without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationery vehicle is particularly dangerous.

If in doubt contact FREE ALARMS for FREE no obligation advice on security equipment that saves lives !