Originally published April 11 2005
Home wireless networks need to be secured in order to prevent identity theft and unauthorized use
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Home wireless networks are becoming very popular, but many people do not protect them very well. Home wireless networks are often left unencrypted and free of proper security. As well, people often forget to turn off their wireless connections once they are finished using them, allowing thieves to break into laptops electronically and steal private information.
You see people on laptops surfing the web just about everywhere you go these days, but is that a good idea?
7 On Your Side's Michael Finney has been looking into wireless security.
Go to just about any coffee house in the Bay Area and this is a familiar scene.
Joanne McNabb, Office of Privacy Protection: "Identity theft is by far the biggest topic.
More than half of those who call us do so because they have already been a victim or are concerned they will become a victim."
Michael Vergara knows first hand how at risk wireless networks can be.
He's with RSA Security, a firm that worries about your wireless connection.
Here on a beautiful day in Union Square he's showing me how unsafe these hot spots can be.
Michael Vergara: "A lot of bad things can happen if people are not securing their wireless network and as the computer shows today, people are not."
And consumers have a roll to play too.
Michael Vergara: "You don't leave your computer in the adhoc mode so other people can connect to it.
A lot of people make that mistake.
They forget to turn their wireless off when they don't need it, so their information is beaming out there and bad guys can take their information off there right now."
So the next time you are out in some beautiful location sitting all alone working on your computer, remember -- someone could be electronically eavesdropping.
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