Are you wondering how to secure your wireless network?  Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to secure your wireless Network.  It is crucial that you take steps to secure your wireless Network for your Internet security and privacy.

If you don't take steps to secure your wireless network, anyone within range of your router can easily connect to your Network.  In fact, your Wi-Fi signal could reach clear down the block with the latest high performance equipment.   Believe it or not, as far as ten miles away, a hacker could actually intercept your Wi-Fi signal.  They could do this by using a Wi-Fi antenna created with a Pringles can.  This is a very real threat to your Internet security and privacy.

It is all too easy for a hacker to see precisely what you are doing on your Network if you have an unsecured wireless Network.

The criminal could actually install malware, such as a keylogger or backdoor Trojan, onto your computer. 

A backdoor Trojan could allow the hacker to take full control of your computer.  He could in fact have even more control of your computer than you have. 

A keylogger would allow the crook to monitor every single keystroke you make, including banking passwords, etc. 

This could ultimately lead you to becoming a victim of identity theft, which happens to be one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA. 

Your bandwidth could also be stolen.  This could slow down your Internet connection.  Not only that, your ISP could charge you for the extra bandwidth used on your account.  Your Network could even be used for illegal activity, such as downloading child pornography. 

It is so important for your Internet security and privacy that you learn how to secure your wireless Network.  You will be glad to know that there are some basic steps to take to secure your wireless Network.

Encryption is the number one line of defense for securing your wireless Network.  Encryption works by encoding the data that is transmitted between your computer and wireless router.  Most routers ship with encryption turned off.  Unfortunately, many people leave themselves totally exposed, as they use the wireless router with encryption turned off.  This is a very serious threat to there Internet security and privacy.

If you haven't already done so enable encryption on wireless router.  Be sure to use the strongest form of encryption that is supported by your Network.  The Wireless Encryption Protocol(WEP) is far less secure than the Wireless Protected Access(WPA) protoconol and the more recent WPA2.  If at all possible, use WPA or WPA2, since WEP is easy for a hacker to crack.The keys used by WPA and WPA2 change dynamically, making them  nearly impossible to hack.  It is important that you use a strong password for your encryption key, using a combination of letters and numbers of fourteen characters or more.

If you are one of those that has an older router that only supports WEP, you`ll be most secure using 128-bit WEP keys.  However, be sure to check the manufacturer`s web site for a firmware update that will add WPA support.  If you have an older router, you should be happy to know that most older equipment can be upgraded to be WPA compatible.

It is essential, to help secure your wireless Network, that you change the default network name and password on your router.  The default network name and password are easily obtained.  This is why it is so important for your Internet security and privacy that you do this.  Most devices use a weak default password, such as “password” or the manufacturer’s name.  Believe it or not, some router's don’t have any default password at all!  Be sure to not change the default network password to something that is easily guessed, such as your first and last name.  Doing so will make it much more challenging for those malicious hackers to break into your router, taking full control of your Network.

The most basic step that you can take to help secure your wireless Internet connection is to simply turn off your router when not in use.  This is particularily important when you are away for an extended period of time, such as going on a vacation.  If your router is turned off, it will be impossible for hackers to break into your wireless Network through your router.

Enable the firewall in your router.  For added protection be sure to have firewall software installed on your computer.  There are free firewalls, which can be downloaded online.  The firewall built into your router prevents hackers on the Internet from getting access to your PC.

Also, have anti-virus software installed on your computer.  It is crucial that you keep your antivirus software up to date.  You might be glad to know that there is free antivirus software available for download on the Internet.  Don't forget that antivirus software is only as good as the last update.  Everyday, there are countless viruses and other malicious software created.  Internet security companies are continuously playing a cat and mouse game to keep up with the latest viruses and other malware.

Have anti-spyware software installed on your computer.  There is free anti-spyware software, which you can download online.

Finally, be sure that your operating system is up to date and that you have downloaded the latest security patches.

Following these steps on how to secure your wireless Network will certainly increase both your Internet security and privacy.

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