Autumn Years Fall 2023

Tech Support for the Rest of Us. Local | Experienced | Trusted Tech Support for the Rest of Us. Local | Experienced | Trusted

Tech Support for the Rest of Us. Local | Experienced | Trusted

Small & Micro Business Support Home Offices Computers Small & Micro Business Support Home Offices Computers

Small & Micro Business Support Home Offices Computers • Wall-mounted TVs • Universal Remote Control • Indoor & Outdoor Sound Systems • Home Theater & Audio • Smart Security & Doorbells • Smart Lighting & Heat • Wired & Wireless Networking • Computer Repair & Security • User Training We Protect Security Plan Great Wifi Everywhere TVs, Music, Smart Home Special Occasion Streaming Safety | Productivity | Happiness • Wall-mounted TVs • Universal Remote Control • Indoor & Outdoor Sound Systems • Home Theater & Audio • Home office • Smart Security Cameras & Doorbells • Small Business • Wired & Wireless Networking • Computer Repair & Security • User Training We Protect Security Plan Great Wifi Everywhere TVs, Music, Smart Home Special Occasion Streaming Safety | Productivity | Happiness

We Protect Security Plan Great Wifi Everywhere TVs, Music, Smart Home Special Occasion Streaming Safety | Productivity | Happiness (201) 689-1823 solutions@bergenit.net www.bergenit.net 201.689.1823 | bergenit.net solutions@bergenit.net (201) 689-1823 solutions@bergenit.net www.bergenit.net 201.689.1823 | bergenit.net solutions@bergenit.net

AWARD-WINNING SERVICE 5 YEARS IN A ROW!

AWARD-WINNING SERVICE YEAR AFTER YEAR!

Owners Felicia Halpert & Costa Rodis

(201) 689-1823 solutions@bergenit.net www.bergenit.net

Owners Felicia Halpert & Costa Rodis

However, it does mean your new devices will not detect the network either. So, if you want to go this route, remember that you will have to manually type in the network name when you want to connect a new device. MAKE SURE YOUR ROUTER FIREWALL IS ENABLED Many routers have a firewall that can be turned on or off. This acts as a filter for data, letting safe bits through, but block ing unauthorized access. Make sure your firewall is enabled (router settings again), because while it is not infallible, it is safer on than off. In addition, many internet security tools, such as McAfee or Norton, include firewalls of their own for an extra layer of protection. UPDATE YOUR ROUTER’S FIRMWARE As with your computer or phone, routers receive updates to improve features, fix problems or increase security. Naturally, it is best to ensure your device is kept fully up to date. Some routers will update au tomatically, but it is worth going into your router settings regularly to check if there is an update available.

USE WPA2 If you are using an older router, you may be using wired equivalent privacy (WPA). This is a security standard that unfortu nately is susceptible to hacking and should be avoided. If you have the option, make sure your router is using WPA2 or WPA3. This is a much more secure security stan dard. Check the router settings to make sure you are using this option. And if you do not have WPA2 or WPA3 available, consider replacing your router. FILTER MAC ADDRESSES Every single device you use to connect to your Wi-Fi has a media access control (MAC) address—essentially an ID for that device. If you go into your router settings, you can set your connection to only accept access from devices with approved MAC addresses. Go into the access control settings (this may vary from router to router, but a Google search should help you find it on yours if necessary), and you should see a list of connected devices displaying MAC addresses. You can use this to confirm or deny access as needed.

Alternatively, all devices will list their MAC address in their settings somewhere. For example, on an iPhone, it can be found under Settings > General > About > Wifi settings. On Android, it is in Settings > About > Wifi MAC address. The exact path will vary depending on your Android model, however. With day-to-day family concerns at the forefront of our minds, it is easy to lose sight of where our technology might be vulnerable. That is why it is so important to take time to address these needs and be confident that your data is not being compromised. Felicia Halpert and Costa Rodis own Bergen IT LLC, an award-winning, client centered, comprehensive tech support company. Bergen IT provides cybersecurity, managed services, networking, trouble shooting, computer, audio, TV, Wi-Fi, smart home & home office installations, train ing and support. Since 2009 Bergen IT has delivered responsive personal attention, reasonable rate and top-notch expertise. To learn more: www.bergenit.net.

Owners Felicia Halpert & Costa Rodis

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FALL 2023 I AUTUMN YEARS