Internet Wireless networks are
becoming more and more popular, and rightly so - especially if
you have broadband Internet access. A wireless router can give
you instant communication with the world that's worthy of the
science fiction I grew up reading!
The idea of reading email while lounging by the pool, text or
instant messaging while doing the laundry, or lounging in the
Jacuzzi listening to your MP3 collection is appealing to us all.
Unfortunately, many, or even most, wireless units don't come
with security features already functioning. This may not
seem like a big issue to someone who is simply setting up a home
network,
... but there
are a number of potential problems you should consider.
The most serious problem is the increase in identity theft.
If your network is unsecured, the personal data on your wireless
electronic equipment is also unsecured. The order you just
placed for a book at Amazon may have given your contact and
payment information to an unscrupulous hacker!
Nearly every town in which "WiFi" is common will have "War
Drivers" and "War Chalkers" at work. These are people who
walk or drive around town with wireless equipment, searching for
unsecured networks. The "Chalkers" then live up their name,
marking curbs and other public items with chalk so that others
can more easily find and exploit your network.
Not all "War Drivers" are hackers, of course. Many just want
to use your network for free, but the risk is high if you don't
learn how to protect yourself.
You can usually find quite a bit of free information as to how
to secure your network at the website of your router's
manufacturer, or by doing a search in a search engine for a
phrase like "secure home wireless."
Beyond the
truly malicious, there are also your neighbors who may
find your network by accident and enjoy nosing into your
activities and using your Internet access at will,
slowing down your network speed in the process. |
Even many businesses use cheap,
home-use quality equipment for their company networks. With
the poor security often found on small business networks, anyone
with a basic knowledge of wireless can access sensitive company
and customer data.
If you are unable to secure your network yourself, there are
many service companies who will do it for you. A search of your
local yellow pages or an inquiry at your neighborhood computer
store should yield professional help and get your private data
private again.
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Article by Joe Robson, owner of
The Newbie Club at
http://newbieclub.com
and creator of the best selling PC &
Internet Security Kit at
http://www.newbieclub.com/Security
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