Wiring Up Your Wireless Security

It's obvious how people have been enjoying the world wide web so much you almost can't find an area without Internet service providers. In fact, this thing about being online has become almost an addiction. From Facebook to YouTube, nearly everybody is hooked and that goes for both wired and wireless users.

Desktops have long been enjoyed, but laptops are still relatively new. Now, we can be wherever with our portable computers and just find a wi-fi zone where we can retreat and do our thing. And everybody seems to love the idea because, after all, we do want that freedom of staying connected to the world wherever we find ourselves in. This is a major convenience which won't even just work for entertainment. We've heard stories about families reuniting, nations. reconciling or simply medical cures being invented from one end of the globe to another all for the amazing technology that wireless Internet has afforded us.

However, the only thing we might not be pleased about is the fact that wireless connections are more exposed to threats to our online security compared to wired computers. It's unfortunate that with every digital advancement we make, there are those who'll always try to pull us down. These are hackers who will never tire of creating programs that try to break into our privacy or simply wreak havoc in our systems. If you ask why, there can be many reasons from taking a shot at stealing our identities or for the sheer satisfaction of getting somebody else's computer crashing helplessly.

The most unfortunate victims are, of course, those who do not know a thing about computers beyond their Internet and document processing capabilities. This isn't all bad news, however, because yes, even the most basic wireless laptop user can be protected with the right information and the will to make this information work.

For your home wireless network, explore your router's settings and discover how each set affects your security. Of course, you need to know know how to get to its interface before you can actually do any tweaking. Needless to say, choose the highest encryption level available and create your password in such a way that it will be the hardest to figure out but not that hard that you won't even remember it. It's never a good idea to write your password anywhere or even save it in your cellphone so make sure you store it in your head where it will be the safest. Of course, ensure that your router is not broadcasting, otherwise, anybody around the vicinity could easily get into your network and hack till they drop.

When you're out in a public wi-fi zone, things are going to be quite different. Remember that most of these spots let you use a connection that is very easy to hack into. You probably won't even need to type in a password to connect. This can put your sensitive files in real danger, but nothing you can't do something about. Again, install a personal firewall to block unwanted elements right from your ports which serve as the doors to your system. Many of these programs are free but make sure you're downloading the real thing, not a pack of disguised viruses.

Another option you can take in securing your computer is by installing an IP hider software which hides your IP address so even if a hacker was sitting right across from you in a wi-fi cafe, he still wouldn't be able to hack you because he won't know how. After all, your IP is hidden. Now, there's just no other way for him to find you.