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.
