The Dangers of Wireless Networks - DTN Enterprise
Dec 2006

Introduction

I'm sure you have heard about the wonders of wireless computers and decided you could use this type of network for your household or business instead of running cables all around the house.

Simple enough to setup the wireless network, right? All you have to do is buy a wireless router at the nearest electronics store, plug it in, and you are ready - wrong. Most routers are configured to only provide you with a basic unsecured network. This means anyone with a laptop and some devious intentions can hijack your wireless signal and easily access your private information and internet connection.

You may be asking yourself, why would people bother or want to break into your network? Most commonly, people are just looking to gain free access to the internet to surf the web. There are individuals out there, known as wardrivers, that drive around business sections and residential neighbourhoods searching for open wireless access points. They either use these hijacked internet connections themselves or make it know to other unscupulious individuals for their use.

Unfortunately, some individuals will even use your internet connection for malicious or even illegal activities such as the downloading of copyrighted materials, spam mail servers, downloading pornography or search your computers for information that can be used for identity theft.

There are simple ways to stop others getting to your network. We recommend that your wireless router or access device be setup using one of many encryption algorithms which scramble your information so that it cannot be seen by unauthorized users. Most routers offer two ways to do this: WPA or WEP encryption. Both encryptions will offer a certain level of security on your wireless network. WPA is an older encryption method while WEP is the newer technology and offers the most security. We also recommend changing the default admin password to the router or wireless access device. Your new password should be at least 8 characters in length and contain at a mix of alpha and numeric characters characters to be safer.

Wireless networks give you greater flexibility in where and how you work.
Take the necessary steps to protect your systems and enjoy the benefits of surfing the net and doing your email almost anywhere."

If you are interested in having a certified technician service your home or office computers, please call our office or email us and we'll have our technician set up an appointment. You are one call away from trouble free computing!

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