When using a wireless network to access the internet you must be cautious against threats to your computer and your network as well. According to a study conducted in 2004 60-70% of all wireless networks are insecure! Today most people have wireless internet in their homes on insecure networks. This is a large problem, because (1)anyone can get into your network and see all of your online information, which can include bank account information and credit card information and (2)other people can use your wireless internet that you are paying for! This can not only slow down your network, but also anything illegal performed by a computer on your network will be traced back to you, even if it wasn't you doing it!
So how can one secure a wireless network? Encryption is widely considered the most important tactic in securing a network. WEP and WPA are two types of encryption that require a hexidecimal password to access the network. The use of anti-virus software will also help prevent attacks to your computer as well. Another useful tip is to change your SSID, hackers will often try to log onto networks with common names that they are aware many networks will be using, so changing the SSID will prevent hackers from being able to gain access to your network as well. For the same reason you must also change your networks password from the default as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment