computer networks

The idea of reading email while lounging by the pool
text or instant messaging while doing the laundry
or lounging in the Jacuzzi listening to your MP3 collection is appealing to us all.

Unfortunately
many
or even most
wireless units don't come with security features already functioning. This may not seem like a big issue to someone who is simply setting up a home network
but there are a number of potential problems you should consider.

The most serious problem is the increase in identity theft. If your network is unsecured
the personal data on your wireless electronic equipment is also unsecured. The order you just placed for a book at Amazon may have given your contact and payment information to an unscrupulous hacker!

Nearly every town in which "WiFi" is common will have "War Drivers" and "War Chalkers" at work. These are people who walk or drive around town with wireless equipment
searching for unsecured networks. The "Chalkers" then live up their name
marking curbs and other public items with chalk so that others can more easily find and exploit your network.

Not all "War Drivers" are hackers
of course. Many just want to use your network for free
but the risk is high if you don't learn how to protect yourself. You can usually find quite a bit of free information as to how to secure your network at the website of your router's manufacturer
or by doing a search in a search engine for a phrase like "secure home wireless."

Beyond the truly malicious
there are also your neighbors who may find your network by accident and enjoy nosing into your activities and using your Internet access at will
slowing down your network speed in the process.

Even many businesses use cheap
home-use quality equipment for their company networks. With the poor security often found on small business networks
anyone with a basic knowledge of wireless can access sensitive company and customer data.

If you are unable to secure your network yourself
there are many service companies who will do it for you. A search of your local yellow pages or an inquiry at your neighborhood computer store should yield professional help and get your private data private again