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Download the free software by logging into myGamewood with your Gamewood account. Click here! YOUR GAMEWOOD BILL EACH MONTH? Put money back in your bank. Dial-up* customers can reduce their monthly bill to $18.00 per month (a 10% savings) by simply choosing the automatic draft program. We will draft your monthly payment from either your checking or savings account. 
No more worrying about due dates, late fees or looking for a stamp! SAVING MONEY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!!! Please contact us at (434) 799-8407 *Offer only applies to dial-up customers. Wireless LAN Security Gamewood technicians recently went in search of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that were broadcasting in the city of Danville, VA to find just how many were live without an acceptable level of security. We were able to uncover hundreds (100s) of unsecured WLANs by simply driving through the heaviest populated part of the city. With this level of “open” access, anyone passing by is able to connect to your local area network and see any traffic passing between computers in plain text. With Microsoft sending usernames and passwords unencrypted, this leaves your whole network open to anyone with a wireless network card and packet sniffing software. Hackers could sit in the parking lot of your business or on your residential street and send “spam” through your connection without you knowing. When your ISP notices, you receive full “credit” and would likely be shut down. Ready to secure your wireless network? We have compiled a list of tips that should lock down your network to authorized users only. Use an Encryption Algorithm Using a WEP key is the norm in securing most wireless LANs and is sufficient for home or small business users. There are two strengths that can be used when applying a WEP key. The first is a 64-bit encryption key based on a 40-bit key and a 24-bit initialization Vector. This level of security is generally considered insecure. Chances are if you have 64-bit capabilities, you also have 128-bit capabilities. 128-bit encryption is composed of a 104-bit key and a 24-bit initialization Vector. Until recently, WEP security was the norm and 128-bit encryption was considered to be a top level security measure for anyone. Unfortunately, a new piece of software was released, Airsnort, that was able to break WEP encryption after listening to 100MB of wireless traffic and comparing each packet. Using WPA is a better solution. With WPA-PSK, security keys are periodically and randomly generated creating an extra-strong level of encryption. With the key changing frequently, it stops determined hackers from collecting enough packets to decipher the encryption algorithm. Change the Default Settings Take the time to change the default settings on your access points. When manufacturer's default SSID is found, it becomes a prime target. We generally assumed that if the owner had not taken time to change the SSID, they probably hadn't changed the default password either. Products like NetStumbler will identify the manufacturer of your access point and manufacturer passwords are easily found on the Internet. This situation would allow a hacker to compromise the access point and eventually find the gateway/router to hack at. Also change the default subnet of your WLAN and consider disabling DHCP. This will keep someone from sitting in your parking lot and obtaining an IP address to join your network. By changing the subnet, a hacker would no longer be able to easily guess the setting and use a static IP address for access. Do not change the SSID to your company name or to an SSID that includes any personal information. Turn off SSID Broadcasting If possible, disable the SSID broadcasting. People who have permission to use your WLAN already know it exists and can join it when in range. Access Point Locations When doing your site survey for your location, plan to place the access points near the center of the building instead of near the windows. This will allow sufficient coverage within the building but eliminate a range of access beyond the wall of the structure. If you are unsure about the security of your network or would like help setting up your wireless LAN, contact us at 434-799-8407.
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