| If you are like most online business owners that are | | | | your wireless id information, along with your physical |
| using a wireless network, you are likely unaware of | | | | address and post it in online databases so that others |
| the potential dangers to both your business and the | | | | will know where there is an unsecured network, ripe |
| safety of you and your customers data. In this article, | | | | for the taking. |
| I'm going to discuss 4 different threats that you must | | | | 3. Evil Twin |
| be aware of when it comes to operating a business | | | | In this threat, your access to a legitimate wireless |
| over a wireless network. | | | | access point is blocked. Then, without your knowing it, |
| Many think that if they have the latest router, combined | | | | you're redirected to a second access point that is |
| with the latest in security software, they are all set and | | | | managed by a hacker. Any information you transmit is |
| having nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, that's not | | | | accessible to the hacker. Keystrokes are also able to |
| the case. Any type of equipment or security | | | | be captured, which means any passwords you type in |
| measures you take only act as deterrents. If someone | | | | are now in the hands of the hackers. This type of |
| really wants to break into your network, they'll come | | | | threat is most common in public access points, such as |
| up with a way to do so. The good news is that most | | | | restaurants and airports. |
| hackers will go after sites that have lax security | | | | 4. Wi-fishing |
| procedures. | | | | This is similar to the evil twin threat in that it takes you |
| The top 4 threats to your wireless network that you | | | | to what looks like a safe access point. By utilizing |
| need to be aware of include: | | | | common SSIDs of public Wi-Fi spots, your computer |
| 1. Sniffing | | | | will automatically connect to the hacker's network. |
| This type of threat involves hackers that use software | | | | Same situation with the evil twin set up - the hacker |
| programs called sniffers that are able to scan the | | | | can grab all of your information that you type in while |
| traffic on a network. All the hacker that has this | | | | connected to their network. |
| software has to do is use it in areas with many | | | | Needless to say, the real threat with these and other |
| networks until they lock onto an unsecured wireless | | | | wireless network threats is that the risk to your |
| network. | | | | bottom line is in danger. While some hackers only do |
| 2. War Driving | | | | what they do to see if they can do it, or to be a simply |
| With this threat, the hacker only needs a wireless | | | | annoyance, thieves that get involved in wireless |
| device - such as a laptop or PDA. They simply drive | | | | threats are not of the harmless variety. They can cost |
| around until they pick up an unprotected wireless signal | | | | you plenty. |
| from homes our businesses. These people will record | | | | |