It was not that long ago that the only people with wireless networks at home were hardcore hobbyists and dedicated early adopters. In the early days of Wi-fi, the equipment was expensive and hard to set up, and most mainstream devices could not make use of the technology.Times have certainly changed, and these days everything from your television set to your tablet PC comes out of the box ready to hop on to your wireless network. The built-in wi-fi that comes with these devices certainly makes your life easier, but unless you secure your wireless network properly it could also put you and your data at risk.
When you set up your wireless network, it is important to program in a strong password, one that will be easy for you to not forget but very hard for others to guess. It is a good idea to record that password and keep it in a safe place, since it can be difficult and time consuming to reset the security on your wireless router.
Keep in mind that many older wireless routers did not have strong security built in, and some had no default security settings at all. If it has been some time since you set up your wireless network, it is a good idea to test it and make sure there is a password in place.
One simple way to check your network is to walk around the house with a tablet PC, laptop or other new wireless device. The built-in wi-fi should automatically find your network and prompt you for a password. If the device connects without any input from you, it may be a good idea to revisit the security on your wireless network.
Keep in mind that if a new device in your home is able to access your wireless network, chances are good that your neighbors can set that network as well. Modern laptops, tablets and other devices are designed to automatically find any wireless networks within range, and that means other devices could be accessing your unsecured network.
That obviously presents a security risk, especially if you keep sensitive data on your home network or use your laptop for online banking and investments. Taking a few minutes to review the security on your wireless network now can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Even if you think your wireless network is secure, it never hurts to check things once in awhile.
Simple steps – like keeping your operating system patched and up to date, downloading new virus scanning updates and backing up your data regularly, can keep you – and your data protected. Having a wireless network in your home allows you to do so many things – from watching movies and TV shows any time you want to streaming your favorite radio stations to every room in the house. You do not have to give up the advantages of a wireless network to enjoy top-notch security.
Sam JonesAbout the Guest Author:
Sam Jones, the author, has fiber optic broadband and has been worried about his security.
