Why is it important to secure my Wireless Network?

It is estimated that about 30 percent of today’s homes and businesses are setup with a wireless network.  It's also estimated that 75 percent of home and small business wireless networks are left unguarded.  This can leave your computer at risk, but worst of all, it can leave you at risk. 

Many folks setting up wireless home networks rush through the job to get their Internet connectivity working as quickly as possible.  That's totally understandable, but it's also quite risky as numerous security problems can result.  Today's Wi-Fi products don't always help the situation.  These devices are designed to be easy to setup so that the typical person can have their wireless network up and going with the greatest of ease. 

Wireless networks add an extra level of security complexity compared to wired networks. Whereas wired networks send electrical signals through cable, wireless radio signals propagate through the air and are naturally easier to intercept.  Signals from most wireless networks pass through exterior walls and into nearby streets or parking lots.  These signals can be picked up as much as a mile away at times.   

Using a laptop equipped with a wireless card, a passerby could easily connect to an unsecured wireless network and mooch off of an unsuspecting persons Internet connection.  Once inside, a drive-by moocher could theoretically do anything from surfing illicit websites, to stealing personal and financial information, to downloading viruses onto a victim's computer.

The average homeowner doesn't feel they have anything on their computer worth stealing. But what it comes down to is: Bad guys may be using open wireless connections without you knowing. By allowing your wireless network to remain insecure you are actually assisting them in committing crime.

Another form of using a person’s unsecured wireless network and Internet connection is called Piggybacking.  At one time, this was the exclusive domain of computer geeks or shady hackers cruising for unguarded networks.  This is no longer the case as we are seeing ordinarily upstanding people tapping into their neighbors’ unsecured network.  You could be paying for your neighbors’ Internet service and not even know it.  Somewhat computer savvy neighbors could connect to unprotected computers to peer into files containing sensitive financial and personal information, release malicious viruses and worms that could do irreparable damage, use the computer as a launching pad for identity theft, or the uploading and downloading of child pornography.

The best case is that you end up giving a neighbor a free ride.  The worst case is that someone can destroy your computer, take your files, and do some really nefarious things with your network that gets you dragged into court.

Get Professional Help Securing Your Network

Need help keeping your home network secure? Not sure how to set up a home network? Call 829-5454. MCC has a professional install technician that can come to you and help you with all your computer repair and installation needs.

Now offering discounted rates for network analysis and security!

Call 829-5454 today!

Here are some other resources regarding security and wireless networks:

Securing Your Wireless Network - practicallynetworked.com

Ten Steps to a Secure Wireless Network - pcmag.com

Beginners Guide: Wireless Network Security - pcstats.com

Also, some support pages from popular wireless router brands:

Belkin

D-Link

Linksys

NetGear