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Why go with a Wireless Security System?

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One reason to go wireless is obvious: Who wants all sorts of wires built under their house, which requires more than just the abilities of a recreational DIY enthusiast, like the old fashioned home security systems required? Not only is this a hairy, time consuming installation project, but a crook could clip the wires (if he gets into your house).

4WBenefits of Wireless

  • Installs in minutes.
  • Someone with basic DIY skills can install it.
  • All sorts of plans for all budgets.

Beware, though, that if a wireless system is not installed correctly, a burglar could get past it and doesn’t even have to enter your house to disable it.

However, do not let this turn you away, because when installed right, a wireless system has many benefits:

  • Full remote access from your smartphone or any connected device.
  • Easy install and easy removal if you are an apartment dweller.
  • Wireless systems can be as robust as wired and include security cameras.

You may be a candidate for wireless if:

  • You want to feel safer checking on the status of your home before going inside after being out for a while.
  • You have kids and must be away when they return home from school and you want to check in on them.
  • An elderly relative lives with you and you want to make periodic realtime checks.

Three Types of Wireless Connections

  • Landline. A wireless system can run through a landline, which means they are not dependent upon the Internet or a cellphone signal. It will stay activated during a power outage. Landline is cheaper than cellular or broadband wireless.
  • Cellular. Signals go to a cell tower and are faster than with landline. Seconds count in an emergency, and the faster signal means faster help. Cellular offers remote capabilities, being able to monitor your home far away on your smartphone.
  • Broadband. Instead of the signal being directed to a cell tower, it goes though the broadband Internet connection. This type of system is comparable in price to the cellular, and the signal is much faster than that of a landline connection.

Robert Siciliano personal security and identity theft expert and speaker is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Identity Was Stolen. See him knock’em dead in this identity theft prevention video.

What is Wardriving?

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Wireless networks have certainly brought a lot of convenience to our lives, allowing us to work and surf from almost anywhere—home, cafes, airports and hotels around the globe. But unfortunately, wireless connectivity has also brought convenience to hackers because it gives them the opportunity to capture all data we type into our connected computers and devices through the air, and even take control of them.

4WWhile it may sound odd to worry about bad guys snatching our personal information from what seems to be thin air, it’s more common than we’d like to believe. In fact, there are hackers who drive around searching for unsecured wireless connections (networks) using a wireless laptop and portable global positioning system (GPS) with the sole purpose of stealing your information or using your network to perform bad deeds.

We call the act of cruising for unsecured wireless networks “war driving,” and it can cause some serious trouble for you if you haven’t taken steps to safeguard your home or small office networks.

Hackers that use this technique to access data from your computer—banking and personal information—that could lead to identity theft, financial loss, or even a criminal record (if they use your network for nefarious purposes). Any computer or mobile device that is connected to your unprotected network could be accessible to the hacker.

While these are scary scenarios, the good news is that there are ways to prevent “war drivers” from gaining access to your wireless network. Be sure to check your wireless router owner’s manual for instructions on how to properly enable and configure these tips.

  • Turn off your wireless network when you’re not home: This will minimize the chance of a hacker accessing your network.
  • Change the administrator’s password on your router: Router manufacturers usually assign a default user name and password allowing you to setup and configure the router. However, hackers often know these default logins, so it’s important to change the password to something more difficult to crack.
  • Enable encryption: You can set your router to allow access only to those users who enter the correct password. These passwords are encrypted (scrambled) when they are transmitted so that hackers who try to intercept your connection can’t read the information.
  • Use a firewall: Firewalls can greatly reduce the chance of outsiders penetrating your network since they monitor attempts to access your system and block communications from unapproved sources. So, make sure to use the firewall that comes with your security software to provide an extra layer of defense.

Although war driving is a real security threat, it doesn’t have to be a hazard to your home wireless network. With a few precautions, or “defensive driving” measures, you can keep your network and your data locked down.

Robert Siciliano is an Online Security Expert to McAfee. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Mobile was Hacked!  Disclosures.

Neighbor Gets 18 Years for Hacking Neighbor

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Home security in the physical world is locks, cameras and a home security system. In the virtual world home security is protecting your homes wireless internet connection.

I’ve spoke many times of how hackers can invade your wireless internet and steal your identity by getting onto your computer. We’ve also touched on how pedophiles can hijack your wireless internet and download child porn which can get the FBIs attention resulting in a battery ram on your front door at 3 am.

In Minnesota prosecutors put away a “depraved criminal” for 18 years as a result of virtually torturing his neighbors via their Wi-Fi connection.

After a brief encounter with his new neighbors he began “a calculated campaign to terrorize his neighbors”.

Wired reports “He demonstrated by his conduct that he is a dangerous man. When he became angry at his neighbors, he vented his anger in a bizarre and calculated campaign of terror against them,” (.pdf) prosecutor Timothy Rank said in a court filing. “And he did not wage this campaign in the light of day, but rather used his computer hacking skills to strike at his victims while hiding in the shadows.”

It’s a pretty frightening story that should scare you into locking down your wireless internet.

When setting up a wireless router, there are two suggested security protocol options. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) which is a certification program that was created in response to several serious weaknesses researchers had found in the previous system, Wired Equivalent Privacy.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to Home Security Source discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures.