The OneMinute Geek:

Without proper steps, wireless networks leave your files open to hackers

More people are installing wireless networks in their homes but most don't realize by doing so they may inadvertently leave the privacy of their computer files and access to their internet account wide open to hackers.

Problem:

Wireless networks allow you to move your computer anywhere in your home and retrieve e-mail or surf the net unfettered by wires and cables. Unfortunately, wireless devices like routers and network cards are unsafe out of the box. If your wireless network is not fully protected, strangers can use your internet connection to surf the internet. This could slow your connection speeds and maybe even affect your monthly fees.

More seriously, someone could piggyback on your wireless internet connection and use it to hack into other computers. Guess who the authorities will blame? You!

Without security, hackers can also access your computer(s) on your wireless network. This means someone can read private and confidential information on your hard drive(s). They can delete or modify the files. Worse yet, they can store on your hard drive. As one Hawaii resident found out, this can create major problems. Someone used his computer to store child pornography, which is a federal felony to possess?

Solution:

Fortunately, you don't have to go back to old-fashioned wires to adequately safeguard yourself. A bit of prevention really goes a long way. Here's what you need to do:

1. Encrypt your wireless data. A wireless network creates plume of data streaming around your home. That's what free access points at hotels, airports, and libraries provide deliberately. Anyone with a wireless adapter can access the cloud of data if it is not encrypted.

To encrypt your data and lock others out, go to Network Properties and check the box for WEP (which is an acronym for Wireless Encryption Protocol.) Be sure to click on OK after making any changes.

2. Choose a unique login and password for your router. (The router is the box with the antenna. It is connected to your internet connection.) To properly configure it, you need to go to it's IP address and change the factory defaults, which the bad guys know. By creating a unique login and password, you are preventing strangers from freely accessing the computer(s) on your home network and the data contained in the computer(s).

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.