“What is the Wi-Fi password?” is something we hear quite often from guests in our homes, guests at restaurants or coffee shops, or even at salons. With data being as expensive as it is, it’s no wonder that some of us see free Wi-Fi as a commodity. And while it’s often expected for us to share our Wi-Fi password with friends and guests, it can also open the door to potential risks.
An Unsecured Network is a Little Too Neighborly
Have you ever gone to use Wi-Fi on your phone or laptop and seen a few networks without the lock icon next to them? Those open networks appear to be an invitation to a notoriously private type of party – free and wide-open network access! Connecting to someone’s network can grant you access to their personal files and content and open them up to potential risks depending on what you do.
When web crimes are committed, investigators can often pinpoint where the criminal was based on the IP address of the machine they used. An IP address is assigned to your network from your Internet service provider (ISP). When people are connected to your IP address, they can commit cyber-crimes on your network, leaving you responsible for whatever they did.
Web crimes come in all shapes and sizes. Leaving your network open can put you at risk. Common web crimes include fraud, illegal downloading and distribution of illegal material, distribution of virus software, hacking of secure networks and so much more.
An Unsecured Network Opens You Up to the Risk of Identity Theft
Sadly, many have fallen victim to identity theft or have at least heard the awful stories of those who have. Skilled computer criminals can access your open Wi-Fi and go through your data, exposing personal information about you which can be used to open credit cards, bank accounts, or more. This can turn out to be a serious headache and can sometimes take years to fix.
Smart Ways to Keep Your Network Secure but Still be Neighborly
We get it! You want your guests to be comfortable when they visit, even if that means having access to your network. Wi-Fi connections can be quicker than using data and can also help those who have limited data plans. When you’re setting up your network, consider getting one for guests that has a simpler password and is clearly marked as your guest Wi-Fi to ensure optimal home network security. Keep the password for your main Wi-Fi to yourself and difficult to guess. This is an easy network security solution to implement.
For information about setting up your home Wi-Fi network, contact the team at Geeks on Site today!