It is interesting, in a sad way, to see how little people are willing or able to do just to protect themselves.

For example, I checked the local wireless networks my other computer could see.  There were a total of 9 (including my own).  Out of those 9, 2 were secured networks (including my own).  Out of the 7 that were left six (yes six) had the default network name / SSID.  I’m willing to bet that with at least 4 of those six the default router password is set.

Big deal, right?  Wrong.

OK, first, anyone can tap into this network.  Anyone can use their internet access to surf the internet.  This sounds like no big deal.  Nope, it is a big deal.

OK, the best case scenario – someone uses your network for web surfing.  They check email; check stocks, sports scores, even watch some videos from YouTube.

Some ISPs now are limiting your bandwidth (yeah, with your “unlimited” access).  This means when you hit a certain threshold you get flagged for abuse, a certain number of flags in a set amount of time and you can either have your service suspended or even turned off.  Imagine this could easily happen if someone was using your network to download music and movies, imagine if they were doing it illegally.  It’s your IP address coming up, not theirs.

The next step is them doing illegal activities.  Downloading child porn, trading in hacked databases, even attempting to hack into sites from your IP address. Trading credit card numbers, bank account information, and conducting scams, all though your IP address.  Don’t worry, the FBI won’t go after them, they’ll go after you since it’s your IP address.

The next is the worst – they use your unsecured wireless connection to tap into your computer(s).  They install software key loggers and get your bank account login and passwords, emails, 401K account information, credit card information, social security numbers,  etc..  Now you’re really done for.  They got your information from the best place possible, your own network.

Add into the above that if you don’t change your password, they can very easily lock you out of your own network.  You can’t access the internet but they can.  You’re paying for it, they’re getting it.

Now, does it seem like a big deal?  What can you do to prevent this?  It’s simple and usually fully explained in your router’s instruction manual.

First, if you don’t use or need the wireless network, turn it off!  This is the best and safest way.  When wireless is turned off, generally the only way to turn it back on is though a wired connection, they would have to be physically sitting close to your router with a network cable between their computer and your router.

Second, secure your network.  This will make it a lot harder for people to tap into your network.  It can be simple and you will just need to enter the encryption code in the wireless computers.

Next – change the administrator password!  It doesn’t need to be complicated.  Your dog’s name, your significant other’s pet name for you, the street you grew up on, something simple since most people who would try to tap into this wouldn’t know you or anything about you.

Change the SSID / network name is nice, but I don’t think you need to, and whatever you do, don’t name it something like “The Smith Family’s Network”.  That will just shine a beacon on whose it is and give hackers a hint at what some of the password might be.  “Home Net” and “Our Network” are good examples.

It amazes me that people don’t even take these steps to protect themselves.  These steps will take an hour at the very most to complete (including reading the manuals etc.) yet can help protect you, your family, and your future.