Wireless Insecurity
So, you have that fancy remote door lock and alarm system for your car.
And you have a home security system for your home.
But that cool new wireless network still has its default settings.
Hello?
So, why are so many wireless networks unsecured?
We think reason number one is that manufacturers ship their wireless products with security turned off. We think they fear scaring off customers if the truth be known, and for other selfish reasons.
The fact remains: Far too many home and small business wireless networks are left wide open to abuse. You might as well leave your front door wide open, and leave your unlocked car in some back alley with the keys in the ignition.
It may be very easy for someone to abuse your wireless Internet connection. And it may be very easy for them to access everything that is on your computer.
Real live example:
We recently helped a friend who had purchased a wireless Internet connection, a wireless modem. The provider gave them no instructions about security. But they were happy to send a bill for hundreds of dollars of extra usage charges after his account was hijacked by several other users in the area. We advised them to drop that provider and protest the bill. Then we help them set up a much more secure DSL connection to a wireless router with proper security settings and with proper firewall and antivirus and antispyware protection.
This person was quite angry that the service provider had given no instructions in security and had provided equipment that was set up with no security. We agree. But unfortunately, that is the norm in the industry.
So let the buyer beware: Users must understand that it is vitally important to secure your computer from abuse. Wireless connections are particularly vulnerable to abuse, but wired connections are too. If you don’t want to do it yourself, hire someone.
