We never cease to be amazed at the amount of people we carry out computer repairs for who have unsecured wireless routers and more worryingly are unaware of it.
It is essential that wireless routers are secure, which means that your network can only be accessed by someone who has your permission and your password or network key.
If a wireless router is unsecure (ie not password protected), it means anyone close enough and with a wireless enabled PC or laptop (or even an iPhone) can use your network and visit sites that could be tracked back to you (e.g adult sites).
The range of a wireless ‘g’ router (which is what most people have) is up to 150 feet (46m) indoors and 300 feet (92m) outdoors, which means someone could be a fair distance from your property and still use your connection.
This not only means that your broadband service, which you pay for, can be used by someone else but also that your computer can be compromised i.e. someone can have access to your emails, and other confidential information.
I was contacted by a lady a few months ago who had an unsecured network and needed to have it secured, she had noticed someone outside her house using a laptop sometime earlier and had not thought anything of it until her bank had been hacked.
On this occasion the bank refunded her money, I’m not sure if they knew her router was unsecure but in my opinion they would have a good case for refusing to pay out as she was not taking reasonable care to secure her network.
So check now and if you’re not sure get an expert from PC PAL to check for you, it might cost a few quid but think what you’ll possibly save in money and aggravation!
For more information about this and general online safety go to www.getsafeonline.org
