Your Wireless Network Could Be Putting Your Identity at Risk
Is there anything better than being able to surf the net in bed? Thanks to wireless network technology, this is now a possibility. Wireless networks have made it easy and affordable to get multiple computers online. On the down side, wireless networks also open a window for identity theft. As convenient as your wireless network is, it could become a huge liability if it is not properly configured. The information sent over your wireless network can easily be intercepted and used against you if you’re not careful. In this post, we’ll discuss the dangers of unsecured networks and suggest some steps you can take to make your wireless network safe.
Unsecured Network=Unsecured Information
An unsecured wireless network poses a significant risk for identity theft. An unsecured network means anyone within a certain vicinity of your home can access it. Of course you wouldn’t let an identity thief see all of the information on your computer or all of your online activities, but that is precisely what an unsecured network does. If you have a wireless network in your home, you need to do several things to insulate yourself from identity thieves. First, make sure all of your wireless devices are secure. Secondly, monitor your network for unauthorized access. Network monitoring is relatively simple—you just need a network security software. The program will basically do the monitoring for you.
Secure Your Network
You can take several steps immediately to secure your network. Here is what you should do:
- Activate your router’s encryption. Some wireless routers come with encryption turned off, so follow the instruction manual for directions on how to turn it on.
- Turn your SSID off. Turning your SSID off will hide your network from squatters who might try to steal your identity using your network.
- Disable remote administration. Disabling this setting will prevent hackers from unilaterally changing your network security settings.
- Use a firewall. A firewall is an essential component of network security. Make sure that your firewall is turned on, though, because it will not do you any good if it isn’t.
- Recruit professional assistance, if needed. If you are not enough of a tech guru to be certain your wireless network is secured, contact local networking professionals to do it for you.
