Securing Your Wireless Network

Wireless networks make it easy for even the most novice computer user to set up WiFi at home, but not securing your wireless network is a mistake many people make and it can be costly.

Wednesday, August 6th 2008, 6:08 pm

By: News On 6

By Margaret Stokes & Chris Howell, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Okla. -- Wireless networks make it easy for even the most novice computer user to set up WiFi at home, but not securing your wireless network is a mistake many people make and it can be costly.

An unsecured network can allow someone to use your web connection whenever they please. If your computer is on, the wrong person can get into your personal files and take advantage of you.

If you never remember doing anything beyond plugging in your wireless device, you probably have an unsecured network.

To secure your wireless network, you should first make sure you always choose the highest level of protection, or the WEP with the most bits. For example, many older wireless products have only 64 bit encryption, while the more modern ones will have a 128 bit option.

Expert wireless installers like the "Geek Squad" can help you choose the most secure password. They can also "hide" your network, so neighbors will not be able to see that you have WiFi installed. Tulsa police warn it's not just the neighbors you need to worry about.

"What we're finding is that your hackers that use the wireless internet have already gone around Tulsa with a wireless laptop and have actually located businesses that have wireless internet," explains Sgt Tim Stadler, Tulsa Cyber Crimes Unit. "From there, they've actually gone and posted those businesses those locations on hacking websites for other hackers to know about."

Sergeant Stadler says most hackers who just want an open web connection will likely ignore one that is secure and move to another network.

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