| It is deniable that our works and lives are more | | | | others can more easily find and exploit your |
| convenient and easier when using wireless. We | | | | network. |
| can work anywhere and that is why wireless | | | | In fact, not all "War Drivers" are hackers, of |
| networks are becoming so popular. Especially if | | | | course. Many just want to use your network for |
| you have broadband Internet access, a wireless | | | | free, but the risk is high if you don't learn how to |
| router can give you instant communication with | | | | protect yourself. You can usually find quite a bit of |
| the world. | | | | free information as to how to secure your |
| Imagine you are sitting by the pool and enjoying | | | | network at the website of your router's |
| chatting through the Internet. Or lounging in the | | | | manufacturer, or by doing a search in a search |
| Jacuzzi listening to your MP3 collection is appealing | | | | engine for a phrase like "secure home wireless." |
| to us all. Unfortunately, many, or even most, | | | | In addition, there are also your neighbors who |
| wireless units don't come with security features | | | | may find your network by accident and enjoy |
| already functioning. This may not seem like a big | | | | nosing into your activities and using your Internet |
| issue to someone who is simply setting up a | | | | access at will, slowing down your network speed |
| home network, but there are a number of | | | | in the process. |
| potential problems you should consider. | | | | Even many businesses use cheap, home-use |
| Identity theft seems to be the most serious | | | | quality equipment for their company networks. |
| problem. If your network is unsecured, the | | | | With the poor security often found on small |
| personal data on your wireless electronic | | | | business networks, anyone with a basic |
| equipment is also unsecured. The order you just | | | | knowledge of wireless can access sensitive |
| placed for a book at Amazon may have given | | | | company and customer data. |
| your contact and payment information to an | | | | It is highly recommended that you hire service |
| unscrupulous hacker! Nearly every town in which | | | | companies to secure your network for you, or |
| "WiFi" is common will have "War Drivers" and | | | | else you will have to bear with a risk of being |
| "War Chalkers" at work. These are people who | | | | exploited. A search of your local yellow pages or |
| walk or drive around town with wireless | | | | an inquiry at your neighborhood computer store |
| equipment, searching for unsecured networks. | | | | should yield professional help and get your private |
| The "Chalkers" then live up their name, marking | | | | data private again. |
| curbs and other public items with chalk so that | | | | |