| Who Stole My Wireless? Copyright (c) 2007 Kelly | | | | don't dabble in their computer itself, you shouldn't |
| Liyakasa | | | | run into any legal problems. If you care, protect |
| Kelly Liyakasa is a staff writer for Kelly Staller is | | | | your router with a password. |
| site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site | | | | Measures to take to prevent online Wi-Fi Stealing: |
| dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best | | | | • Shut off your network router when it's |
| product and service reviews around. If you like | | | | not in use. This gives your PC a break and also |
| saving time and money by having someone else | | | | prevents eager Wi-Fi thieves from 24/7 |
| review leading sites and products, then Visit our | | | | unauthorized use. |
| site at | | | | • Change default passwords! Don't use |
| Case in point: Your life is running smoothly and | | | | anything like 1, 2, 3 or your router's name that |
| your PC seems to be functioning the way it was | | | | can be easily figured out. |
| designed to. No serious virus threats, no outlandish | | | | • Rename your SSID: This is your |
| number of pop-ups, all seems well. The next thing | | | | network's name that comes as a default from |
| you know, your router's LED lights blink | | | | your router manufacturer. |
| uncontrollably even when your computer isn't on, | | | | • Place your PC and router away from |
| but router is. | | | | windows or doors. This decreases the chance a |
| You begin to think to yourself that maybe your | | | | hungry hacker can pick up your signals and get on |
| next-door neighbor forgot to pay their DSL | | | | your network. |
| triple-phone-package plan this month and thanks | | | | • Get a firewall! They really work and |
| to you, have Internet access. While there are | | | | are a big help. |
| security measures you can take to protect your | | | | Internet Security: |
| Linksys router, one of the most basic steps in | | | | O.k., so now you're either angry at Mrs. Smith |
| preventing neighbors who "borrow" or "steal," is to | | | | upstairs or you're scared your personal |
| set up a network password. A good one. | | | | information can be compromised. But, don't fret |
| Stolen Wi-Fi Facts: | | | | because there are plenty of internet security |
| • Your PC won't slow down if someone | | | | software services available. Some packages |
| borrows your wireless Internet access. Your IP | | | | combine anti-virus, anti-spyware, personal firewalls |
| provider gets the traffic. | | | | and parental control functions to safeguard your |
| • Your router can log URL's, so get | | | | files. |
| looking if you suspect someone is sharing your | | | | makes mention of one choice, the Security Shield, |
| wireless. | | | | which is owned and operated by security |
| • No, you can't find out who surfed | | | | software company PCSecurityShield. One feature |
| through those pictures of Britney Spears. | | | | that might let you breathe easier is real-time |
| • By connecting to an open Wi-Fi | | | | protection from hackers or threatening virus |
| network, you run the risk of stolen identity or | | | | outbreaks. In the event that a hacker from Japan |
| hackers setting up open networks to steal your | | | | or your neighbor does steal your Wi-Fi, at least |
| info. | | | | you'll have a barrier to stand between confidential |
| • There is no clear legislation about | | | | information and a network free-for-all but you. |
| borrowing someone's wireless, so as long as you | | | | |