Wireless network security

With more wireless router security issues are arising through the increasing use of home wireless networks at home and WiFi hotspots outside the home, it is vital you have antivirus security in place.

Network internet security at home

The results of the Kaspersky Lab Wireless Internet Access Survey states that while 57 per cent of UK homes are wireless-enabled, only 35 per cent of respondents have taken adequate measures to secure wireless routers.

This leaves the way open for opportunists to intercept any data sent and received, get access to home users’ wireless networks and hijack their Internet access, threatening their network security.

Kaspersky recommends following these five steps for a more secure network:

1. Change the administrator password for the wireless router
2. Don’t use a password that can be guessed, or use a password manager
3. Enable encryption or use an encyrption tool
4. Switch off SSID (Service Set Identifier) broadcasting
5. Change the default SSID name of the device

Wireless hotspots and network security software

Networking security at home is easy to boost, given the right steps, but in a wireless hotspot located in hotel, airport or cafe, you cannot be sure of the same level of security.

WiFi networks are vulnerable to so-called ‘man-in-the-middle attacks’, in which cybercriminals hijack the communication channel and gain full access to the information transferred.

These attacks may target logins and passwords, credit card data or other confidential information. It is important to install an effective integrated protection system on the computer, which includes a firewall and an application activity filter in addition to an antivirus scanner. With these features and more, Kaspersky PURE is the ideal internet security product for WiFi hotspot users.