Wireless Safety and Hijacking C2R Portal
Wireless Hijacking
If you own a wireless access point, you must make sure that you have adequate security measures in place.
This can be a confusing and complex task if you are not technologically inclined, but it is vital to your network, computer, personal identity, and financial security.
All wireless products come with some form of instructions to secure your wireless network. Take the time to read them and set it up on your wireless access point or router. While it may seem complicated at first, you will surf the internet much more comfortably knowing your personal network and computers are safer!
Remember to look for WPA "encryption". WEP is a thing of the past and takes less than 60 seconds to bypass! ALWAYS secure your wireless network with WPA or WPA2. If you are uncomfortable setting this up yourself - an IT professional is always a step / phone call away. Google for some additional help. Below is an excelllent primer from the Federal Trade Commission.
Why Should I care?
This is hard to explain, but just remember this if nothing else. The buck stops at you! If someone hijacks your wireless network and surfs illicit, illegal material while on YOUR network - the traceable IP Address tracks back to your router that connects to your ISP!
It is extremely difficult to trace once traffic escapes into the ether - ummm wireless Radio Frequency world... So PROTECT yourself by taking some simple precautionary measures!
Here is a good starter video that gives an overall feel for what we are talking about!
Wireless Safety
When using your Wifi enabled device outside the comfort, security and serenity of your own private network you need to take other precautionary steps!
If you are surfing at your local Wifi "hot spot" and connect to the internet via "free Wifi" beware! There are simple tools that anyone can take advantage of to "sniff" the airwaves and collect all kinds of data being transmitted to your wifi device.
Go to the link below and watch the video to see just how easy this is!
Click here for a brief demonstration of Wifi Hotspot Concerns!
Prevention!
If you are signing into a website that utilizes any form of user name or password make sure you see an "https" in the address bar. The details of this are covered on the Credit Card Fraud page.