Why Secure A Wireless Network

Most new computer users ask 'Why secure a wireless network"? That is a relatively basic question with a myriad of answers. The main reason to secure your wireless network is to prevent unauthorized use and abuse. Some hackers will try to break an encryption code simply to see if they can accomplish the task. In the past there have been contests amongst hackers to see how many networks or connections they can "crack and crash" in a certain amount of time. Others will go after large servers or business accounts to earn bragging rights. Whatever the case may be, if your wireless network connection is not secure it will only be a matter of time before someone exploits it.

There are several different ways that you can secure your wireless network. Most network adapters for wireless connections have either Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) password protection. While the WPA offers you more coverage and protection, WEP is still better than leaving your connection wide open. Most systems come with a generic word, such as the word "password", as the access code. It is important that you change this as it will be one of the first things that a hacker will try to use to gain access.

Last year over seven thousand wireless internet users had their identity stolen because of an unsecured connection. If you are asking yourself "Is my wireless network secure?" chances are that it isn't. You can check your wireless control panel under the 'security' tab to see what your current level setting is. If it is turned off you will need to enable it and you will be prompted to enter a password. You will also be given the option to allow other computers that you approve to access your wireless network.

Both businesses and home connections can greatly benefit from a secured wireless connection; not only will it protect information stored on the computer but it will ensure that your connection is as fast as possible. The more people that are using your signal the slower data is processed. If you experience sudden dips in service or your wireless connection dies for no reason, there is a chance that someone is highjacking your signal. You can block all outside traffic and secure your wireless signal with a few clicks in the security module. At most this takes three minutes from start to finish and it is something that anyone, regardless of their computer experience, can do.

If your wireless connection is not secure you can enable the WEP or WPA or opt to buy an external program that will act as a backup. These secondary programs are an added measure of protection to secure your wireless network and have weekly updates so that your security is up to date against new programs that are constantly being created. Your best line of defense in keeping your information and equipment safe from a data attack is checking for updates on a regular basis and looking at your internet traffic patterns to see if someone is using a ghost program to access your system without being readily detected.

If you are wondering why securing your wireless connection is such a big deal, there have been numerous people who have been charged with trafficking stolen movies and music simply because someone accessed their wireless signal and exploited it. Their IP address was associated with the actions and they were charged as accomplices in the crimes regardless of their innocence or ignorance of the situation. If you are asking yourself if you need to secure your wireless connection you may want to ask yourself how much you have to lose if someone hacks into your router or wireless connection and uses it for less than credible intentions.