Home Wireless Threats

By now, you should be aware of the need to secure traditional, wired internet connections.
If
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you’re planning to move to a wireless connection in your home, take a moment to consider what
you’re doing: You’re connecting a device to your DSL or cable modem that broadcasts your
internet connection through the air over a radio signal to your computers. If traditional wired
connections are prey to security problems, think of the security problems that arise when you
open your internet connection to the airwaves. The following sections describe some of the
threats to home wireless networks.
Piggybacking
If you fail to secure your wireless network, anyone with a wireless-enabled computer within
range of your wireless access point can hop a free ride on the internet over your wireless
connection. The typical indoor broadcast range of an access point is 150 – 300 feet. Outdoors,
this range may extend as far as 1,000 feet. So, if your neighborhood is closely settled, or if you
live in an apartment or condominium, failure to secure your wireless network could potentially
open your internet connection to a surprising number of users. Doing so invites a number of
problems: