It is deniable that our works and lives are more convenient and
easier when using wireless. We can work anywhere and that is why
wireless networks are becoming so popular. Especially if you
have broadband Internet access, a wireless router can give you
instant communication with the world.
Imagine you are sitting by the pool and enjoying chatting
through the Internet. 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.
Identity theft seems to be the most serious problem. 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.
In fact, 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."
In addition, 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.
It is highly recommended that you hire service companies to
secure your network for you, or else you will have to bear with
a risk of being exploited. 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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