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I wish I had a dollar for each time I
have been asked this question. Every time I connect to my
wireless network at home, I am able to see the network
identification (SSID) of all of my neighbors, about a dozen all
total. Only 3 of them have encrypted connections, and all 3
have used the insecure WEP protocol! I am the only one
within range securing my network with government grade WPA2!
Let's see...what could I do if
I were one of the "bad guys?"
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I could connect and use
their connection for free!
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I could break the law and
illegally download music, hacked software programs, and
other copyrighted material, possibly leaving my neighbor
criminally liable
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I could take over their
computer and use it as a zombie machine to launch a
virus or Denial of Service attack
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I could take over their
computer and use their IP address to stalk children
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I could use their computer
to serve up some child pornography
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I could access and
confidential banking or tax information
Are you scared yet?
You should be! It's a good thing I am one of the "good
guys."
Setting up your wireless router
is not difficult. Even if you set up the somewhat
insecure WEP protocol, it is better than leaving your
network open. |
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You should buy and setup a
wireless router, even if you do not have a computer capable
of wireless at this time. You never know what your
needs will be in the future. Using a router in this
capacity, will be your first line of defense, acting
as a hardware-based firewall. Your wireless
router will give you peace of mind and protection. All
wireless routers have RJ45 ports to allow wired connections
as well.
Routers perform Stateful Packet
Inspection, verifying that any incoming data is a result of
your request for information, blocking any incoming requests
from a malicious computer that is port scanning. Ports
are automatically closed until your programs request that
they be opened.
More to come .....
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