Wireless networks are a great way to share files, printers, and your Internet connection to any computer in your home. With a wireless network adapter installed on your portable computer, you are no longer tied to your desk. You can communicate with friends, read the news, and surf the Web anywhere you can receive a wireless network signal.
The risks
Wireless networks don't stop at the walls of your home. In fact, wireless networks often extend more than 300 feet from your wireless router. If you live in an apartment, dorm, or condominium, you may have dozens of neighbors who can access your wireless network. If you live in a house, your neighbors and even people on the street may be able to connect to your network.
It's one thing to let a neighbor borrow your lawn mower, but you should think twice about allowing anyone to access your home network. There are several good reasons for this. People who can connect to your wireless network might be able to:
| • | Slow down your Internet performance. |
| • | View files on your computers and spread dangerous software. |
| • | Monitor the Web sites you visit, read your e-mail and instant messages as they travel across the network, and copy your usernames and passwords. |
| • | Send spam or perform illegal activities with your Internet connection. |
By setting up security features on your wireless network, you can make it very difficult for uninvited guests to connect.
0 comments:
Post a Comment