McAfee Wireless Home Network Security 2006

Wireless networks have grown quickly, from a cutting-edge technology for techno-geeks, into a common technology found virtually everywhere. Whether you are at a hotel, a coffee shop, a book store, a McDonald's or even roaming some college campuses or more tech-savvy cities, wireless networks are available to use. Unfortunately, many of those wireless networks, particularly those installed in home networks, tend to be very insecure. This product can help lock down those wi-fi information waves.

About The Product

McAfee recognized that wireless networks, while very popular, are also generally insecure. They developed this product with home users in mind to automatically protect the wireless network from unauthorized access. According to McAfee, some of the key features of McAfee Wireless Home Network Security 2006 are:

• Strong automatic encryption: Encryption 'scrambles' the data so that only those who have the key are able to unscramble it and read the data.
• Scheduled rotation of encryption keys: It is possible under some circumstances for someone to intercept or determine what the key is to unscramble the data. Rotating the key makes it harder for someone to get it.
• Comprehensive protection: Protects your wireless network from attempts to steal or intercept data, steal your identity or hijack your network connection as well as other wireless threats.
• Automatic detection and protection:Automatically detects computers attempting to join the wireless network and notifies you. Simple interface lets you easily allow trusted systems in, while keeping hackers and other untrusted systems out.

Testing It Out

Installation and Setup
Installing McAfee Wireless Home Network Security was about as simple as it could be. I did have to switch to a newer wireless router because my existing router was not supported by McAfee (you can check McAfee's compatibility list to see if your equipment is supported), but the software instantly detected my wireless network and asked me if I wished to secure it. Of course, I clicked 'yes'.

Because I had changed the password on the router to something other than the default (something everyone should do), I had to supply the password to the software. But, once I did that the product took over and secured my wireless network.

Using The Software
Once the product is up and running, data traveling on your wireless network is encrypted to protect it from unauthorized access or being intercepted by nearby wireless devices. The key used to encrypt the data is automatically rotated every 3 hours, making it difficult for even determined attackers to figure it out. The key rotation works only with Windows systems though.

The software does default to using the older, less secure WEP encryption, but if your wireless equipment is capable of supporting the stronger WPA or WPA2 standards you can change it.

More Testing It Out

Some software, particularly online gaming, can be disrupted when the key rotates. Thankfully, McAfee makes it very simple to suspend key rotation when you need to and simply re-enabling it when you are ready.

I turned on a 'rogue' wireless device that was not a part of the existing network and received a pop-up alert notifying me of the attempt to access my network. With a simple click, I could choose whether to allow the system to connect to my network, or deny access.

Like most McAfee products, McAfee Wireless Home Network Security 2006 can be configured to update automatically. Knowing that the software will silently retrieve any updates it needs to maintain security without requiring any intervention on your part is a good thing. If you ever run into any issues, McAfee also offers free support 24/7 via Internet chat.

Summary

McAfee has a pretty good grasp of the concept of what home users need. McAfee Wireless Home Network Security 2006 does a commendable job of locking down wireless networks for people who don't know WEP from RAM or whether or not they even have an SSID, much less whether or not it is being broadcast.

At $49.99, the product is a wise investment for the majority of home users. While those with non-Windows networks (including using Tivo or game console systems wirelessly), or those with unsupported or incompatible wireless equipment may run into issues, the software is quick, simple and intuitive for the vast majority of the market it is aimed at protecting.

Knowing that a large percentage of home wireless networks are completely insecure, relying on default SSID's and passwords and with no encryption enabled, this product is just right. I highly recommend picking this up, or having it find its way under the Christmas tree this holiday season.