There are so many devices capable of connecting to the World Wide Web without wires that the term WIFI is now commonplace.
On a daily basis many people check their bank account or log into their other personal accounts without thinking about whether personal information is being exposed.
Tablets, smartphones and laptop computers are all devices people use to connect to the world wirelessly. But do you connect securely?
Let’s start with a home network. Wireless access in a home may be the first time Internet users didn’t have to make sure an Ethernet cable was connected to their device. If your network is secure this is the best option to log into websites that contain personal information.
To ensure you have a secure wireless connection establish a password to connect to it. It should be comprised of capital letters, numerals and even symbols. Don’t forget to also change the password used to access the networking device that allows changes to the device’s settings to be made. While more complex passwords are more secure, they are also harder to remember. So you will want to find a happy medium when creating a password.
By leaving the password set to the default, or non-existent, nefarious Internet users could potentially access your network remotely, and subsequently all of your connected devices.
Caution should also be employed when accessing the Internet away from home, especially if you are connecting to an open wireless network, which is defined as a network that does not require a password.
These networks are typically found at large chain restaurants advertising free WIFI. If you can access the network without being prompted to enter a password, chances are your information is vulnerable. When accessing such a network, never log into a bank account, or other website that contains sensitive information. If you are using a cellphone or similar device, switching to Internet access via a 3G or 4G signal is safer than using a wireless network.
By practicing these and other tips outlined on the web, you can protect yourself from identity theft.