SECURE YOUR WIRELESS NETWORK
With A Wireless Network You Can Go
Anywhere - But It Needs To Be Secure.
What Is A Wireless Network?
With wireless network you can be
connected anywhere in your home or
business. However, make sure your
connection is safe from prying eyes.
In the same way that a cordless phone
stays in touch with its base, a wireless
network (sometimes known as Wi-Fi or an
802.11 network) uses radio links to
connect computers together without
network cables.
As a result, networking is made very
convenient. You can take your
laptop from your desk to another room,
or even outside, without losing
connectivity to your network or the
internet. Surf the internet on
your patio or by the pool!
This is the freedom and flexibility that
a wireless network can offer you.
And it's easier and cheaper to set up
than you might think.
Why Is Security A Concern With Wireless
Networks?
Unfortunately, the very same freedom and
flexibility offered by a wireless
network also brings with it a security
headache.
As a wireless network is connect by
radio waves and not wires, it can't be
contained by physical walls. In
theory, anyone within radio range can
therefore join your wireless network.
This could be someone in the parking lot
helping themselves to your sensitive
company information, or it could be a
neighbor 'borrowing' your connection to
the internet for free!
Of course, there are measures you can
take to restrict this type of activity,
and most wireless technology has
built-in security features.
However, these are usually switched off
by default to make it quicker and easier
to set up. The obvious downside of
this is that the owner won't be aware
his wireless network is insecure.
If you do not have the relevant skills
in this area, then it is a good idea to
find a local IT professional, ahem, with
proven security expertise.
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