How to keep others from hijacking your home wireless network

Published: September 22, 2006
Is your home wireless network vulnerable?

Leaving your wireless network unprotected could be an open door for nosy neighbors—or worse—mobile malicious attackers searching for wireless networks to break into, a practice known as wardriving.

It's not uncommon for a home user with a wireless-enabled computer to pick up a wireless network signal, often inadvertently, from a next-door neighbor's access point.

Schematic of a home wireless setup

What is "wardriving"?

This term means to cruise down streets with a wireless computer or other radio-enabled device attempting to locate, identify, and infiltrate wireless networks.

A wardriver who accesses your network could anonymously hijack your Internet connection, steal personal information stored on your network, intercept file transfers, or even use your computer as a "zombie" to send out spam or malicious software that could be traced back to you.

Fortunately, by following a few best practices you can significantly decrease your vulnerability to these attacks.

Tips to help protect your wireless network

If you aren't sure how to do some of these, ask someone with computer experience that you trust to help (the person who first set up the wireless network is a good choice), visit Microsoft Support, or drop by our friendly Security Community.

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Encrypt all information transmitted through your access point.

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Specify the computers your access point will only recognise using Media Access Control (MAC) addresses.

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Add a firewall to your network access point and to each computer on the network and keep all of them current (note that the latest version of Windows XP features a built-in firewall).

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Avoid storing passwords, social security numbers, credit card numbers, details about family members, or other personal information on your computer.

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Place the wireless access point away from windows and near the center of your house to decrease the signal strength outside of the intended coverage area.

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Keep Windows and related security tools current using Automatic Updates.

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Install antivirus software and Windows Defender and keep them up-to-date. Consider using a comprehensive security service like Windows Live OneCare.

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Revisit established and trusted computer security organisations and sites to stay current with the latest security technologies, methods, alerts, and related information.

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If you are unable to use encryption, connect to your wireless access point with a network cable when sending financial or other critical information over the Internet.

Although no method is 100% secure, you can help deter or prevent unauthorised access by applying these basic steps to deter others looking to steal personal information, Internet access, or even send out spam e-mail in your name.



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Related Links
•Use public wireless networks more safely
•10 tips for improving your wireless network
•Using and maintaining your network
•Strong passwords: How to create and use them
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