Just because everyone’s talking about Wi-Fi today, does that make it right for everyone?

Not necessarily.

Let’s indulge our inner Luddite before drinking the Kool-Aid of Wi-Fi technology.

Wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi, is a connection to an international information resource. That alone is scary and, when you factor in the complete discarding of wires, it’s even more frightening for the security-minded.

No longer is your connection as simple as a wire plugging into the back of your machine. Unlike the days of dial-up, that link is now open, and it can sometimes leave a user vulnerable to theft or even break and enter.

Many Consider Wi-Fi to be Less than Secure

Now, we don’t mean to say that a shady character in a black balaclava is waiting outside your window, about to climb in just because you’ve recently made a wireless Internet connection. It simply doesn’t work like that.

However, unprotected Wi-Fi networks - those without a strong password - invite anyone within range of your access point (or router) to latch onto (or steal) your connection.

What’s more, those with a knack for the hack can actually break into your hard drive and access valuable files and folders. It may not be quite as scary as a cat burglar crawling through your living room window, nabbing priceless vases and golden candelabras, but it’s still a bit chilling.

Here are some reasons to consider sticking with a standard (wired) network:

Popcorn can interrupt a sexy instant messaging session.

·         Seriously, Wi-Fi can actually pop in and out as a result of other home devices that use similar frequencies. That means electronics like a microwave or 2.4 GHz cordless phone can interfere with you finding out what Debbie Sue is (or isn’t) wearing right now. 

Wireless phones can actually interfere with wireless Internet

 

Safety first!

·         Although your wired network still requires a good firewall, you won’t need to worry about a neighbor stealing your Internet (unless he or she has a really long Ethernet cord). In addition, there are ways that a hacker can break even relatively strong passwords. Security experts actually recommend something that’s about 25-plus letters long. That’s pretty ridiculous, and unlikely to be put into action by most users.

Default is definitely dangerous.

·         Most Wi-Fi access points default to unsecured connections, meaning most amateurs who haven’t read this guide will be vulnerable right at this very moment.

WEP might make you weep.

·         Even the standard encryption service, Wired Equivalent Privacy can be easily cracked by a hacker who knows what they’re doing. It doesn’t really matter if you’ve set up WEP perfectly; the hackers are generally a step ahead in this regard. However, times are a-changing, so come back soon and check out our future post on protecting your Wi-Fi.

Sucks (power)

• Wireless networks use a lot more power than your old wired connection, meaning that battery could soon be deader than a doornail (if a doornail ever lives). In addition, the extensive use of power can also lead to heat issues.