Leaving your wireless network unprotected could be an open door for nosy neighbors—or worse—mobile malicious attackers searching for wireless networks to break into, a practice known as wardriving. It's not uncommon for a home user with a wireless-enabled computer to pick up a wireless network signal, often inadvertently, from a next-door neighbor's access point.

Wardriving means to cruise down streets with a wireless computer or other radio-enabled device attempting to locate, identify, and infiltrate wireless networks. A wardriver who accesses your network could* anonymously hijack your Internet connection, steal personal information stored on your network, intercept file transfers, or even use your computer as a "zombie" to send out spam or malicious software that could be traced back to you.

Fortunately, by following a few best practices you can significantly decrease your vulnerability to these attacks.

Tips to help protect your wireless network

If you aren't sure how to do some of these, call our office 713.979.4500 and one of our consultants will help you.

Encrypt your wireless signal to your access point.

Specify the computers your access point will only recognize using Media Access Control (MAC) addresses.

Add a firewall to your network access point and to each computer on the network and keep all of them current (note that the latest version of Windows XP features a built-in firewall).

Avoid storing passwords, social security numbers, credit card numbers, details about family members, or other personal information on your computer.

Place the wireless access point away from windows and near the center of your house to decrease the signal strength outside of the intended coverage area.

Keep Windows and related security tools current using Automatic Updates.

Install antivirus software and keep them up-to-date. Consider using a comprehensive security service like Panda or Trend-Micro.

If you are unable to use encryption, connect to your wireless access point with a network cable when sending financial or other critical information over the Internet.

Although no method is 100% secure, you can help deter or prevent unauthorized access by applying these basic steps to deter others looking to steal personal information, Internet access, or even send out spam e-mail in your name.