How secure do you think you are?

Wireless router vendors typically do not enable security settings in their default configurations. Routers are typically configured to broadcast their service set identifier (SSID) values to wireless clients and are not usually configured to require any authentication from those clients. When a wireless client detects an SSID, which doesn’t use security, all it takes to join that network is a couple of clicks of the mouse on the wireless network icon in the Windows system tray. Because Windows XP built-in wireless Ethernet support scans for SSIDs, it’s easy for an unauthorized user to piggyback on an unsecured wireless network and do anything from borrowing an Internet connection to reading email or snatching documents from a shared folder on the network. The potential for identity theft, loss of business trade secrets, and loss of privacy caused by unsecured wireless networks is something very serious to think about. Wireless networking has become an extremely popular way to build home and office networks. However, wireless networks present extreme security risks unless the network is secured against invaders.

You can secure your home or office wireless network by using the features included with virtually any combination of access point/router and network adapter. Most wireless access points or routers are configured through a web-based interface. Check your manual to determine what IP address to use in your browser to start the configuration process.

Source: Pearson Education