Do You
Really have Wireless Network Security?
Securing a Wireless Internet
Connection
If you own a computer, which I'm
almost positive you do, you're probably taking advantage of
high-speed wireless Internet. This has become the norm! We
all reveled in the wondrous upgrade known as cable
high-speed Internet service, but then they took it a step
further and made the wires obsolete. Thank goodness! If you
had a system like mine, then you most likely know how all
those wires and cords can get in the way of things.
Not to mention the cords are certainly
a safety hazard in any home. No worries! But, what about
security for wireless Internet convenience? Is it a
tradeoff?
The Wireless Internet
Revolution
Just about everything is going
wireless these days. Though this is very convenient, it does
bring up some issues about safety and security of personal
information.
There are hackers out there who love
to break into wireless networks in order to get information
that may allow an identity to be stolen or to simply drain
someone of all of the money in their accounts. This is why
anyone using this technology should give some serious
thought to wireless network security.
Wireless Security for Personal
Computers
Most home systems have build in
wireless network security that can give you peace of mind.
These are made so that no one can access them unless they
have an access code. If you have a wireless system, you may
notice that you come up with many different signals when you
go to connect your computer to the Internet.
You will notice some are secure and
some are not. You may be able to hook up to the unsecured
ones, but you should not be able to access the secured ones.
This is because wireless network security is in place and
working correctly.
Wireless Network Security VS.
Convenience
Notebook computers make it easy for
anyone to get online in certain places, but there is a
warning that comes along with this. This is when you have to
think about wireless network security.
Most nice hotels and some coffee
houses, among other places, that offer free wireless
Internet. However, there is very little security when you
use this type of service.
Wireless Banking from a Hotel?
No!!!
For the sake of wireless network
security, you should never use this type of access for
things like personal banking, Paypal, or shopping with a
credit card. Thieves could easily get into your accounts
because you have made it easy for them to see your personal
information.
If you are in a hotel using wireless
Internet, but you really have to do some personal banking,
ask the hotel if they have a business center that has a
secure connection for this. However, remember that even
though you have found something that works, you have to
remember that someone will come along after you and use that
computer. Sign out of everything, and even clear the cookies
and the history before you leave the computer.
Even though wireless network security
is risky, leaving clues on any secure connection share with
others can be risky as well. Always use caution with any
type of connection, even if it is one that comes from your
home. This is a bigger worry in urban areas, but identity
theft can happen in any small city or town as well.
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