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This day in age, with so many people constantly on the move, it is no surprise that an increased number of laptop users are accessing wireless Internet; business professionals stay connected with the office while on the road, vacationers send digital photos to friends, and shoppers make purchases while curled up on the sofa. Wireless networks are able to link multiple computers located in different rooms of a residence or office without the mess of network cables, and they offer the convenience of being online anywhere that the wireless signal reaches.

A wireless connection typically calls for a broadband Internet service running to your home or building. Known as an access point, it involves a cable or DSL line hooked up to a modem. To complete the wireless setup, the access point must be bridged with a wireless router that disseminates a signal up to hundreds of feet. Any computer, containing a wireless client card, in the vicinity of the router can utilize the signal to access the Internet.

The negative aspect of wireless networks is that anyone with a computer equipped with a wireless card can log onto your network unless you take the necessary steps to prevent intruders. As a result, neighbors and even worse, hackers, could potentially “piggyback” your network and have free reign over the data contained on your hard drive. It is this type of vulnerability that often leads to identity theft. If a stranger commits a virtual crime or sends spam while using your network, the malicious acts can be traced to your IP address. If this happens, it may be very difficult to prove that you are not responsible.

Luckily, there are some precautions you can take to secure your wireless network and the computers linked to it. The more of these steps you follow, the safer your network will be.

1. Use encryption.
2. Install antivirus, antispyware, and firewall software.
3. Disable identifier broadcasting.
4. Use a different router identifier than the default setting.
5. Modify the router’s default password for administrative purposes.
6. Verify that computers with specific Media Access Control (MAC) addresses are the only ones able to access the network.
7. Power down the network when not in use.
8. Never assume communal “hot spots” are safe.
9. Avoid sending and receiving sensitive information on a public wireless network.

Article Written by Guest Blogger
Eric Higgins: A Network Cable Expert