IP SurveysInternet Security and Information

I’m sure the average home in America probably now has internet, and on top of that, wireless internet. While every router I have ever seen comes with at least the option to secure your network with WEP, it still amazes me how many people ignore it. Here’s a few reasons why you should secure your wireless network:

1) Your internet, your responsibility. If someone logs into your network and downloads illegal software, it is your responsibility when the FBI knocks on your door.
2) It keeps your internet running faster. The more people on your network, the slower it is. This especially applies in apartment buildings.
3) No freeloaders. How do you feel about someone stealing the internet you’re paying for so they don’t have to pay for your own?
4) Protect your personal information. Allowing someone onto your wireless network allows them the ability to possibly access your computer. This means every file on it is potentially vulnerable to someone else seeing it.
5) Protect your passwords. Data is sent over the wireless network in packets. Someone who is on your network can intercept these packets and decode usernames and passwords stored in them.

Hopefully this is enough to convince you to secure your own wireless network and remember, WPA is always better than WEP.