Wireless Internet Security

Almost 50% of homes and business networks using wireless internet connections are not secure. This is a phenomenal amount as it is easy to leach, or worse, steal inportant information such as banking details or passwords.

Luckily there are simple steps that can be instigated so that your wi-fi connection is secure from intrusions. Specialised software to protect networks, just the same as anti virus software, can be purchased.

1/ Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

Introduced in 1999, WEP is often the default option for wireless security. Unfortunately WEP is not hard for serious hackers to breack but is much better than nothing. We won't go into the details of WEP as there is a much more secure option available, which we highly recommend using for your network.

2/ Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

WPA was developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is regarded as a better choice than WEP due to stronger passwords and better encryption. Each user must enter a passphrase to access the network. The passphrase may be from 8 to 63 ASCII characters or 64 hexadecimal digits (256 bits).

Most wireless software ships with security options but sadly most users don't turn on the security because of problems with installation. Seek out the install details on the manufacturers CD and turn on the best and strongest option.

Security of your wireless internet connection or wireless network is of paramount importance and could save a lot of money and heartache down the track.