How to Stop Wireless Bandwidth Theft

With more and more people accessing wireless networks, threats to these networks are increasing right along with this surge in popularity. One of the biggest problems with wireless theft is when the invader commits illegal or inappropriate actions. These actions will be traced back to the IP address of an innocent wireless user. In addition, a user's personal information is vulnerable to being stolen. including credit card information and bank passwords.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Use wireless devices that use Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) or wired equivalent privacy protocol encryption technology. Also make sure that these features are activated before using the wireless network. Use the strongest key encryption possible--usually it is 128 bit.

2. Change the passwords that came installed on the wireless router. Please check with the user information packet that came with the router on how to do this. If the user information cannot be located, search the Internet for the manufacturers website, because most times the information is available there.

3. Identify the MAC (media access control) address of all the equipment that is supposed access the network. Once they are identified limit access only to those specific MAC addresses. Check the website of the router manufacturer or the owners manual for instructions to accomplish this task.

4. Update the firmware of the router. Every router has software installed that assists it in detecting unwanted users. This software needs to be updated every few months to keep the security of the router current. Please consult the manufacturer web site or the owners manual for instructions.

5. Install a personal firewall software on each computer. This adds another line of defense for the computers in case intruders breach the routers defenses.

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