Security Center

Protection Against Identity Theft

Wireless Network Connection

Wireless networks provide an easy and flexible way to manage separate computers or devices connected to your home network through a single wireless router. It is important, however, to understand specific security issues involving wireless networks.

  • Use encryption. Enable the highest level of encryption available for your router; newer wireless routers typically use Wi-Fi Protected Access(WPA), and older versions use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). This will encrypt all data transferred between your computer and router. In addition devices without your encryption key cannot connect to your router.
  • Change your router's default password. All wireless routers are given a default administrator password by their manufacturers; be sure to change this password to prevent unauthorized access to your router.
  • Change the SSID (Service Set Identifier). The SSID is the name of your wireless network. In order for a computer to connect to your network, the SSID must be known. You should change the manufacturer's default SSID name to a unique name that will not be easily guessed and has no direct connection to you or where you are located (do not use your last name or street address).
  • Switch off SSID broadcasting to hide your network from outsiders. This advanced level of security will make it more difficult for an outsider to access your network, as they would have to start guessing the name of your network to access it.
  • Enable MAC Address Filtering. In order for this to work, obtain the MAC address for each device connected to your network, and then enter these MAC addresses into a configuration screen of the wireless access point or router. Then, switch on the filtering option.

Brokerage Products and Services offered by Scottrade, Inc. – Member FINRA and SIPC.

No information on this web site should be considered a recommendation or solicitation to invest in a particular security or type of security.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of a mutual fund carefully before investing. A mutual fund's prospectus contains this and other information about the mutual fund. Prospectuses are available through our trading site or through a Scottrade branch office. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Margin trading involves interest charges and risks, including the potential to lose more than deposited or the need to deposit additional collateral in a falling market. Scottrade's margin agreement is available on our web site and at our branch offices; and contains the Margin Disclosure Statement and information on our lending policies, interest charges, and the risks associated with margin accounts. Options are not appropriate for all investors. Detailed information on our policies and the risks associated with options can be found in Scottrade's Options Application and Agreement, Brokerage Account Agreement, and Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (available from your local branch office or here). All option accounts require prior approval by Scottrade.

Market volatility, volume, and system availability may impact account access and trade execution.

Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are no guarantee of future performance or success.