Wireless networks (WLAN) are getting more and more popular among both private users and larger corporations. Most people are aware of the many advantages of using a wireless network, bur not everybody is aware of the potential dangers that can happen if one does not make the necessary security steps.

One of the most common risks with today’s wireless network systems is that the users do not protect their own internet access from other potential users. If you do not secure your network access with an authorisation key (code), anyone who is close enough can use your network connection. In smaller towns or villages this is not a problem, but inside big cities with people living close to each other, it is not unusual to freeload on the neighbours’ network.

It may seem harmless to let the neighbour or other persons use your network. But it is far from being safe. Other people can use your network connection for illegal downloading, such as child pornography. If the police or the authorities are able to detect the crime, you are the one to be accused. Because it is your network. There has already been one occasion where a father was arrested at work suspected of downloading child pornography. Later it became clear that it was the person who rented his basement flat that had been using his network access for criminal activity.

Further, when using an unsecured wireless network your own PC is also more exposed. Intruders that are connected to your wireless network will have much better ability to obtain access to your computer, with all the consequences involved, than if you are working from a proctected wireless network.

Fortunately, incidents as those descibed above do not happen every day - but there is no doubt that you expose yourself to great danger if you don’t secure your wireless network.

Here are some tips on how you should secure your PC when you are working from a wireless network:

1. Secure your network with an authorisation key
   
   
2. Use a personal firewall
   A personal firewall prevents you from being attacked by protecting your machine from malicious and unnecessary traffic. Firewalls can also be configured to block data from certain addresses. Norman Personal Firewall will hinder unauthorised users to access your system and control all levels of communication. Norman Personal Firewall has several service functions, such as parental control, that makes it able to prevent access to certain pre chosen sites.
   http://www.norman.com/Product/Home_Home_office/Firewall/10567 
   
   
3. Use antivirus programs
   Norman Virus Control protects you from viruses, worms, trojans and other malicious code. By using virus control you stop virus authors from infecting your machine and prevent hackers from stealing personal and sensitive information. Norman Virus Control includes the unique SandBox technology - a proactive antivirus solution that stops new and unknown viruses.
   http://www.norman.com/Product/Home_Home_office/NIC/10560  
   
   
4. Use antispyware and antiadware programs
   Spyware can also be used to steal sensitive information such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers and other forms of private data, while adware may open unwanted marketing on your computer. With Norman Ad-Aware your information is safe. Norman Ad-aware is a program that removes spyware and prevents you from having your Internet activity monitored.
   http://www.norman.com/Product/Home_Home_office/AntiSpyware/17211