Securing your wireless network
Unguarded wireless networks can be subject to illegal piggy-backing as people nearby try to get online for free. If your broadband plan comes with a download limit this can mean your monthly quota is quickly used up by others, meaning you have a service that’s cut short every month or you face far higher bills than you expected.
Luckily there are a number of easy fixes to ensure your network stays safe and can only be used by those with the proper permissions.
• Password – Without a password or network key anyone in range of your network can easily take advantage of your connection. Setting a password is simple to do and means that only people you want can gain access to your network. You can tell your computer to remember the key, meaning you will connect automatically, so the only reason to keep the password is if you want to give access to other users. Just don’t use ‘password’ or the network name and you should be safe.
• Encryption – There are two main forms of encryption: WEP and WPA. WEP is the more common, it creates a password of random letters and numbers for you to use. This stops your router being privy to anyone in range, but it has become easy for hackers to break into. WPA allows you to make up your own password which means there’s no software around to work out your secret code.
• Firewall – A secure firewall will be able to deter or block most illegal attempts to get on your network. Hardware firewalls offer better protection than software ones (which are still very useful) and these normally come with built-in routers. Just make sure it’s turned on and correctly configured to give yourself adequate protection.
• Bandwidth monitoring – Depending on which of the myriad of wireless broadband plan options you opted for, you may have a limit on how much data you can download in a month. If you exceed this you may have your connection cut off for the rest of the month or have to pay more to get back online. Free programmes such as NetMeter can show you how much of your bandwidth is being used and at what times.
To avoid the security issues that you may face from wireless broadband networks, consider mobile prepaid wireless broadband. By connecting to the internet via a USB stick and accessing 3G networks, you can have access to a wireless internet connection on the go and have the assurance that you’re only the only person using your internet plan.
Head online to www.blinkit.net.au to find reliable and flexible wireless broadband plan options.
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