What's The Beef In Beefing Up WiFi Security..??

Addressing The Matter Of Security

In this age of identity theft and credit card fraud it's easy to understand the concerns of security when it comes to transmitting sensitive data across the airwaves. Fear plagues the wired network enough, so it's natural that a wireless network should have increased suspicion surrounding it.

Thankfully there are plenty of things you can do to increase the security of your wireless connection, to the point that it is as safe as the safest wired one.

The following list of precautions will only cost you a bit a time to set up:

* Turning off the file-sharing feature on your computer
* Updating your operating system on a regular basis
* Password protecting your computer and any protected files
* Only transmitting emails containing sensitive information through a secure, web-based email site (those that start with https:// in the address bar)

For a nominal cost there is various software you can install to beef up security. These include:

* Personal firewall alongside good anti-virus software
* Encryption software used to encode data sent across a wireless connection (Most sites that require you to enter credit card information are secure anyway, but it's better to be safe than sorry).
* Use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Probably the best way to protect your information when using public WiFi areas such as airports, libraries, etc. A VPN creates an impenetrable shield linking your computer to the site you are accessing. Think of it as trying to access a train that is parked in a tunnel, the only ways in are at either end of the tunnel itself.

Security is a major issue these days and rightly so. At home your wireless router produces a range that extends beyond the size of most homes - allowing people with the knowledge and know-how to use (in effect steal) your connection just by sitting out the front of your house in the street. Also, hackers target public access areas such as airports, as they know that public access areas do not carry their own security - it's up to the individual to take the precautions themselves. This lack of security however, should not be a deterrent from switching over to a wireless connection, as by following the recommendations above you will be more than secure on your network and internet connections. In fact, if you do follow all the points above it's safe to say your wireless connection would be more secure than most people's wired ones.