Securing Your Wireless Home Network Iowa

Do you have a wireless network installed in your home? If so, did you know that hackers might be using your Internet connection without your knowledge or consent?

Local Companies

A-Plus Computer Services
319-215-9293
1602 Commercial st.
Waterloo, IA
Medilutions
515-326-4666
4507 Wakonda Pkwy.
Des Moines, IA
Shared Med IT, LLC
563-355-7473
3319 Sprint Street
Davenport, IA
Medinotes Corporation
(515) 327-8850
1025 Ashworth Rd Ste 222
West Des Moines, IA
Software Design Inc
(319) 235-1314
1945 E Mitchell Ave
Waterloo, IA
Computer Management Services
(712) 258-1143
Sioux City, IA
Vaytek
(641) 472-2227
505 N 3rd St
Fairfield, IA
Solutions Inc
(712) 262-4520
2311 W 18th St
Spencer, IA
Sideline Software
(515) 963-0231
3508 SW Timberline Dr
Ankeny, IA
Merritt Computer Service Inc
(641) 423-6970
1015 15th St SW
Mason City, IA

It's called "Drive-By Clicking" and it is becoming more and more popular all the time. Here is how it works:

A hacker drives through a residential neighborhood with a laptop computer equipped with a wireless network adapter. If a wireless router isn't configured for secure communications the hacker's laptop can detect the signal, stop his car, and access the Internet using the unsuspecting homeowner's Internet connection.

He can send spam emails (potentially getting the homeowner in trouble) and even access sensitive information on the host's computer. Scary stuff, huh?

If you have a wireless router you can protect yourself with these tips:

  1. Place your wireless router in a location that is as far away from the street or the closest neighbor's house as possible.

  2. Change your router's password from the factory default (which most "competent" hackers are familiar with) to a new one.

  3. If you have file sharing enabled on your PC be surer to activate password protection.

  4. Enable encryption (WEP) in your router's configuration settings.

  5. Be alert for clues that someone else is using your Internet Connection or home network. These include excessive Internet traffic through your cable or DSL modem (the data lights will flash more than usual) and a sluggish PC with lots of unsual hard drive activity.

Taking the time to secure your wireless network from cyber-intruders could save you lots of headaches and losses (monetary and otherwise) in the future.

About the Author:

Rick Rouse is the owner of RLROUSE Directory & Informational Resources (http://www.rlrouse.com). Submit your URL to RLROUSE Directory and all of our partner sites for only 29.95!


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Featured Local Company

A-Plus Computer Services

319-215-9293
1602 Commercial st.
Waterloo, IA

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