One of our biggest concerns as an Internet solutions company is security – security on websites, on computers, and on networks. Over the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of homes and businesses that use wireless networks for Internet as well as file-sharing and other internal tasks. While more convenient than their wired counterparts, wireless networks are less secure. An unsecured network allows any wireless device, including laptops, Pocket PCs and other WiFi devices, to connect to the network. Any home or company using a wireless network should take the time to secure their network and the information shared and stored on it.

Why should you secure your network? Consider these potential problems with your wireless network if it is not secured.

Lost Bandwidth
The simplest problem of someone connecting to your unsecured network is that they use your bandwidth to get free Internet. Since you likely don’t know who this person is, you have no way of controlling how much bandwidth they use, or what they use it for. Unauthorized use slows down the connection for the computers you do know about, and can even result in extra charges at the end of your billing period.

Criminal Activity
Some of the people that look to connect to unsecured networks do so to commit crimes. This can be as simple as sending out spam, or as complex as hacking into government computers or sending out a new virus. If a crime is detected, it can be traced back to your company or house, and then you may end up facing criminal charges for something you did not do.

Personal and Confidential Information
Even one stored password or personal identification number saved is worth network security. Anyone that connects to an unsecured network and has the right tools can find the information they are looking for, such as access to your bank accounts and other vital information.

next page