Author : Jason Leister
Are you wireless? Should you be? Does it matter?With wireless capabilities being built into every new
laptop under the sun, the internet is quickly becoming an
always-on, always accessible way of doing business.So what does that mean for you then?Well, I don't need to tell you the value of being able
to communicate with your clients from anywhere, at anytime.
(Of course, we all have the power to choose just how
accessible and available we are to our clients, but I
digress...)The real power of a quick email reply to an urgent client
request from your wireless device of choice is this:
it makes your client feel VALUED and IMPORTANT. It is
a feeling we all live for. Delivering that feeling to your
clients will do more for increasing your profits than many
other activities.That's the power of wireless.Want to go wireless? Here are some basics. Much of this
is not stuff you need to remember, but just information to
help fill out your understanding:*Wireless networks have flavors. There aren't many, but
most wireless networks are one of three types, which are
labeled by the letters a, b, and g. The differences are
quite technical. In short, A and B are pretty old
and G is the newest and the fastest. End of story.*Wireless networks have names. These network names have been
given the techie acronym SSID, which stands for Service Set
IDentifier. When you sit down at your laptop and pull up
the list of wireless networks in the area, the names in that
list are, you guessed it, the SSIDs. Please don't bother
to remember this acronym, you most likely won't need it
again.*Wireless networks can have extra security. This extra
security comes in the form of encryption. Just like the
technology used to protect your data when logging on to your
bank accounts online, wireless networks can be (and should be)
ENCRYPTED to protect your business data.*New laptops are wireless ready. Most every new laptop comes
with wireless access built in. No additional hardware or
software is required. For older laptops, however, you will
need a small wireless card that can be purchased for
anywhere between $15.00 and $100.00 at your local computer
store.While wireless internet access provides many, many benefits
to you and your business, there is a dark side...As internet access becomes more and more interwoven into the
business landscape, internet SECURITY, will become more and
more of a priority.Wireless security is not only something for the tech
world to worry about. When dealing with private client
data (which we ALL do), it is in your best interest to
understand what you are dealing with. Don't worry, it's
just a matter of understanding a few simple ideas and
then applying them to protect yourself.By default, most wireless networks send everyone's data
flying through the air unprotected. If you have the proper
tools (which are easily downloadable from the internet),
you can pluck that data straight out of the air.The wireless access at your local coffee shop or library
is most often this type: completely unsecured and open to
prying eyes. Yes, even Starbucks lets your data fly
through the air, available for all.So enough scare tactics...The only word you have to remember when it comes to
protecting yourself and your data is ENCRYPTION.A good rule of thumb: If a wireless network is not
encrypted, DON'T connect to it.Some might say this is a bit paranoid. To that I might say,
"Should my clients expect anything less?"It is one thing if you are a college kid sitting at a
coffee shop sending messages back and forth between your
friends. It is quite another when you are preparing a legal
brief or some other piece of confidential information that
will be sent to your client.So how do you tell if a wireless network is encrypted?Simple...If you need a password to connect, it is encrypted. If no
password is required, you are operating in the open with no
protection whatsoever.There are various encryption strengths, some suited for
your basic office environment and some more suited for
even more confidential situations, like a doctor's office.At this point, the important thing is not so much the strength
of the encryption as much as whether or not you have it
at all. Most would-be internet thieves (no, that is not their
technical name), upon seeing an encrypted wireless network,
will move on the thousands and thousands of easier targets
with no encryption.The bottom line:The benefits wireless internet access bring to your business
are too numerous to count. If you aren't "wireless" yet,
look into it. If used properly, it can add heaps of value
to the service you offer your clients.Once you go wireless, you owe it to yourself, your business
and your clients to be knowledgeable enough to protect your
data from theft.Hi. My name is Jason Leister. I have been helping people do productive things with computers and technology for longer than I can remember.I started Computer Super Guy, LLC because I love business. In particular, I love helping others make their businesses GROW.Now when I say business, I am talking about passionate businesses, that stand for something and are creative expressions of their owners.If that sounds a bit mushy, or a bit too touchy-feely, well, I'm not sorry. It's what I believe and it is what I live.And it is why you will benefit from working with my firm.
Category : Men Issues
สมัครสมาชิก:
ส่งความคิดเห็น (Atom)
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น