Why Secure Your Wireless Network?

Securing your network is an important step in keeping most hackers out of your wireless network. Adequate wireless security can keep interlopers, such as neighbors or attackers, from hogging network bandwidth (a form of denial-of-service), compromising sensitive information (such as identities, important passwords etc.), using the network for illegal downloads or introducing viruses.

Reason No. 1: Your internet download & upload speed decrease

Got enough bandwidth? Of course you don't. The most basic rule of networking is that no matter your upload and download speeds, they're not fast enough. So how would you like sharing your internet speed with strangers and neighbors, especially those who want to suck up all your bandwidth by downloading gigabyte movies?

Reason No. 2: Wireless is the weakest link in your company

You may use high-powered security in your core enterprise network, but if you've got even a single, poorly protected wireless access point somewhere -- even hundreds or thousands of miles away from corporate headquarters -- you're at risk. Invaders intent on stealing customer records or private data or merely doing mischief can easily make their way from that single access point right into the heart of your network. And if you're a large company, it could cost you millions of dollars.

Reason No. 3: The recording industry may sue you

What's the difference between the Mafia and the recording industry? The recording industry uses the courts rather than Big Guido as an enforcer.
As we all know, for the past several years, the recording and entertainment industry has used the courts to sue many people who the industry claims were illegally sharing or downloading copyrighted music and other digital files.
But what's less well known is that they're also trying to convince the courts that even if someone piggybacks onto your network and does the illegal download, you should be liable for the copyright infringement. Which means you'll have to hire a lawyer or get ready to pay through the nose.

Reason No. 4: It's vital to protect your privacy

If someone gains access to your home or small-office wireless network, they may be able to gather enormous amounts of information about you. Do you store any personal or financial records on a PC attached to your network? If so, they're at risk if you don't take the right precautions. So if you worry about identity theft or simply don't want someone poking around your PCs, make sure to turn on protection.

Reason No. 5: You may be aiding criminals

There's a new type of wireless piggybacker out there -- people looking for a convenient, unprotected Wi-Fi network to hop onto in order to do something illegal, quasi-legal or just downright nasty. They won't be breaking in to your PCs, but they'll be using your bandwidth and IP address for nefarious purposes.


*Source from http://www.computerworld.com.