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Wireless networks need proper online security

Internet consumers using wireless networks both at home and at work have been warned that failure to take appropriate online security steps can leave them exposed to malicious online threats.

The warning comes in the wake of news that 11 people had been charged with the theft of over 41 million credit and debit card numbers, a heist that may have been made possible because of improper online security, reports e-consultancy.com.

According to the website, not fully utilising online security tools that come with wireless routers can grant access to cyber crooks, leaving users exposed to online threats.

The website has listed some of the steps consumers need to take to protect themselves including making use of encryption platforms, which makes it harder for hackers to easily access private information.

Others include changing default usernames and passwords that come with the routers as well as using Media Access Control (MAC) filtering to, which can be used to specify what gets through and what gets barred.

Using a proper firewall and disabling SSID broadcasts is also recommended. Microsoft recently highlighted the growing dangers of online threats by issuing patches for 26 security holes in its programs.

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