Security Enabled Wireless Network Lets You Surf SafelyAnyone with a laptop computer knows the benefits of a wireless network or Internet connection. You can go anywhere you want and still access the Internet as long as there is a signal available. This means you are no longer tied down by a telephone cord which you must attach to a wall jack. You are free to move about and compute anywhere you'd like. Be aware, however, that you need to use a security enabled wireless network to protect your computer and your data. There are various reasons you need to have protective features in place on your wireless network. For one thing, if your neighbors are able to connect to your network, they can read your e-mails and instant messages as they move through the network. They can also get access to your usernames and passwords and in this way log onto your bank accounts, credit card accounts, or have access to any other information they wish. In addition, they may perform illegal Internet operations while using your network. If law enforcement officers track down this illegal activity, all evidence will point to you, not your neighbor. Also, you could spend much money trying to clear your good name. Even if your neighbor only innocently "borrows" your wireless network hardware to gain access to the Internet, his use of your network will bog down your computer system causing your Internet access to be slower. If your wireless network has security features, however, those outside your home cannot easily connect to your network. One of the most often used security features is data encryption. In effect, this encryption scrambles data on your network so only those computers which have the proper encryption key can unscramble and read the data. Data encryption provides important security in your wireless network. Even if your wireless network is encrypted, people known as hackers, can still access your network and pull information off your computer if they want to. People who drive through neighborhoods looking for unsecured networks are just wanting some free Internet time and don't have the skills needed to break into a network with security features. Also, when someone has stopped outside your home long enough to hack into your system, they will probably draw some attention from your neighbors. While wireless network systems are great because they allow you the flexibility of being able to work on your computer where and when you want - there is one major drawback. Unless you protect your wireless network by some security features, anyone who wants can access your personal information on your computer. Having this information encrypted is the best way to protect yourself and your computer network from unwelcome hackers. |