How to Detect Wireless Bandwidth Theft

With more and more people accessing the Internet through wireless networks, threats to these networks are also increasing. 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 info, bank passwords and the like.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Be on the lookout for an Internet speed decrease or irregularity. One tell-tale sign that another user is stealing bandwidth is when Internet speed slows down noticeably. Intermittent slowdowns can be an indicator as well, for example, if one day Internet access is fine and the next it slows to crawl.

2. Check the network connections log often to detect wireless bandwidth theft. The network log tells the user what devices are accessing the wireless network. To check the log double click on "my network places," then select "view entire network." If there are more connections than machines connected to the network then there is a problem.

3. Install monitoring software to assist in detecting wireless bandwidth theft. The monitoring software is another layer of protection and can help detect wireless intruders that are spoofing IP addresses. Spoofing is when the IP address is hidden from the normal network monitoring software.

4. Stay informed on the latest wireless bandwidth theft threats to the network. Everyday new technologies and techniques for stealing wireless bandwidth are being created and disseminated.

Resources

• Wireless security threats update website.

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