The importance of protecting your WiFi connection - Broadband Genie reports

Feb. 29, 2008 - PRLog -- Home wireless broadband internet technology, commonly know as WiFi, enables you to share your broadband connection with more than one computer or device without needing to install network cables throughout your home or office.

It’s a perfect choice if you don’t want to be tied down to a desktop computer and relish the freedom of using your laptop anywhere around your home. Unfortunately, if you don’t take the precautions for securing your WiFi connection, your account is open to anyone looking for an open account in the vicinity.

Of course, unless you live in a crowded neighbourhood, flat or halls you could get complacent that access to your WiFi connection is unlikely. Unfortunately, everyone is at risk of falling victim to “WiFi squatting”.
Despite the fact that there are now thousands of legitimate hotspots around the country, “piggybacking” is becoming an increasingly common, even though under the 2003 Communications Act it is illegal to use another person’s service provider to access the internet and it could result in a maximum penalty of five years in jail or a fine.
A new phenomenon called “warchalking” has also been noted to be aiding regular piggybackers. By drawing a chalk symbol on a wall or pavement, WiFi guerillas are able to expose open wireless internet connections to their fellow piggybacking buddies, spreading the word of your unprotected account.
With some simple basic set-up procedures it’s easy enough to protect your wireless connection and avoid falling victim to WiFi squatting.
Stephanie Rogers from Broadband Genie explains: “One of the biggest problems with using wireless routers is that customers follow all of the installation instructions, but then forget to change the standard password, or even password protect their routers at all! It’s highly advisable to change the administrative password on your wireless router to a secured password. It is ideal to have a 128-bit WEP encryption for the wireless network (don't worry if you have no idea what this means – it's basically just a really long password!). Take the time to check the password settings on your router. If your equipment does not support this then it could be better to replace it altogether.”
For more information on Wireless Broadband set-up and other helpful broadband tips check out Broadband Genie’s Broadband Buyer’s Guide at www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/buyers_guide.html .
*Notes to editors

Broadband Genie allows users to compare broadband online, and is part of
Genie Group.

Genie Group Ltd is a leading independent provider of internet comparison
shopping services in the UK, and was set up in 2004 by Philip Wilkinson
(co-founder of Kelkoo UK). Genie Group's unique selling point is 'the
Genie', which makes personal recommendations to internet shoppers based
on ground-breaking, intelligent technology. This gives Genie Group the
ability to provide an enjoyable and satisfying internet shopping
experience, and deliver an unmatched quality of sales leads to our
affiliate merchants. Genie Group launched its flagship broadband
comparison service Broadband Genie in January 2005.

More information can be found at http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk .
Please direct all media enquiries to Stephanie Rogers. Interviews with
Philip Wilkinson can be arranged on request.*

Website: www.broadbandgenie.co.uk