| With recent news reports of offenders being | | | | increased security, and if your computer and |
| caught obtaining free Internet access by | | | | other hardware is compatible, you should always |
| piggybacking someone else's unsecured wireless | | | | use WPA as it is far harder to hack into than |
| broadband connection, it's clear consumers need | | | | previous encryption methods. |
| to take action now to secure their WiFi signal. | | | | 3. Added security You should also always have |
| Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product | | | | comprehensive anti-virus software such as Norton |
| director, explains, "A home wireless network can | | | | or McAfee installed on your computer to protect |
| be incredibly useful and convenient but in a world | | | | you from viruses that can open your PC up to |
| where we all have to be on the lookout against | | | | hackers. Make sure that these are always kept |
| identity theft, viruses and online fraud, it's vital | | | | up to date by regularly checking for updates on |
| that you secure your WiFi signal." Philips continues, | | | | the provider's website. You should also use a |
| "Dishonestly obtaining free Internet access is an | | | | firewall - many routers have one built-in but you |
| offence under the Communications Act 2003 and | | | | should run one on your PC too. |
| a potential breach of the Computer Misuse Act. | | | | 4. Isolate your wireless signal Wireless isolation |
| Unfortunately this still doesn't deter some from | | | | works to make your signal invisible to anyone |
| piggybacking on someone else's wireless | | | | searching for WiFi in your area. Wireless |
| broadband connection." | | | | Broadband UK is built-in to some routers but must |
| BroadbandChoices.co.uk five top tips for securing | | | | be physically enabled by the user - so check your |
| your wireless network: 1. Am I secured? If you | | | | router's manual for Wireless Broadband tips on |
| haven't set up security passwords yourself then | | | | how to do this. |
| it's not likely that you will be secured. To find out, | | | | 5. Use an access list If you're still worried, you can |
| simply go to 'My Network Places' on your PC and | | | | create an access list. All computers have their |
| scan for your wireless network. In the list that | | | | own Media Access Control (MAC) address - a |
| appears, there should be a picture of a padlock | | | | way of identifying each individual computer - and |
| next to the name of your network. If there is no | | | | you can tell your router which MAC addresses it |
| padlock, then you need some security. | | | | can allow access to; blocking all others. This |
| 2. Use WPA Most new routers now offer WiFi | | | | means that anyone wanting to use your wireless |
| Protected Access (WPA) passwords as well as | | | | signal would not only have to have your password |
| Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). WPA offers | | | | but would have to be on the access list too. |