Keeping a secure network

Cybercriminals can purchase software that allows them to access unsecured wireless internet connections. This is why by not keeping your network safe and secure, you are not only compromising your wireless network security but also your own privacy.

Wireless routers

When you buy a wireless router, chances are the system is already password protected, but some wireless router security systems need to be secured manually. It is important to check when you perform your wireless router setup to ensure you are as safe as possible.

Pharming and WiFi

Just because you have a secure connection does not necessarily mean that you are safe. Experts have recently warned of a new threat to WiFi. Called drive-by pharming, it affects people whose connections are secure but who have not changed their default router password.

Pharming is similar to phishing, whereby criminals send you an e-mail asking you to click on a web link and confirm certain security details. Rather than taking you to the genuine website, the link directs you to a bogus one. If you then provide your account details, the criminal has all he or she needs to plunder your account.

With pharming, when you type in normal URLs, you're sent to phony sites masquerading as the real thing. Your private information can then be stolen.

Here's how it works. Malicious code is planted on your PC, via e-mail or visiting an infected Web page. The malicious code changes the DNS settings in your home router so that when you type in certain URLs, such as your banks, you're rerouted to a phony Web page that looks like the real thing.

It looks like the real page and since you've typed in the URL yourself, you think it's safe. But when you type in your login information, it's stolen.

Password protection

Fraudsters are successful at pharming via WiFi because they know the default passwords, such as ‘admin’ or ‘password’, on a WiFi router, and few people actually change the password.

However, your user guide should be able to tell you how to connect to your router settings. Once you are connected you should go to the admin page where you can change your password. This will prevent hackers from having the ability to access your router.

In addition, Kaspersky password manager software will protect the data on your computer and on the websites you use.

Comprehensive Kaspersky internet security provides antivirus protection plus password management tools and online identity protection.