What Are the Dangers of Wireless Internet?
The dangers of wireless networking stem from and are the result of a wireless router allowing unrestricted outside access. Any unsecured router makes a network vulnerable to any number of attacks as well as unauthorized usage.
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Default Network Settings
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For the most part, wireless routers, when powered on, work with default settings. Therefore, many users do not change the router's IP address or username/password, or enable advanced security settings. Users should always personalize the default settings prior to connecting devices to the network.
Data Interception
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If encryption is disabled on the router, then data is susceptible to interception or man-in-the-middle attacks. The use of security encryption mitigates this danger and prevents access to the router and possible identity theft.
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Unauthorized Access
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Media access control (MAC) address filtering prevents unauthorized devices from gaining access to a home network. Unrestricted access allows others to use bandwidth and network resources.
IP Address Masking for Illegal Activities
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Hackers are malicious in nature. Therefore, they can perform illegal activities while making it appear as though the activity is coming from an IP address attributed to an unsecured network.
Benefits Outweigh Dangers
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Despite the dangers, wireless networking increases device accessibility and usability in a home network. Proper security measures prevent attacks and unauthorized access thereby mitigating many of the potential dangers.
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