BBB Tip of the Week

If you use mobile devices, you probably have a home network router with a wireless connection. Wireless networks can be vulnerable if not set up properly. Hackers have gained access to wireless networks to capture network activity and even users’ account login and password information.

Another concern for home networks is piggybacking, which occurs when a neighbor accesses your network, using up bandwidth and slowing down your connection. Piggybackers also are concerning because they could be involved in illegal activities that could be traced back to your Internet account.

When using a network router that has wireless access network (WAN) capabilities, understand that the settings won’t be secure straight out of the box. You will need to read the instructions and set up each layer of security to ensure the safety of your home Wi-Fi.

Better Business Bureau offers the following advice for securing and setting up your wireless router:

• Most routers will publicly broadcast by default, making it easier for hackers to find. Hide your wireless network by turning off the identifier broadcaster feature on your router.

• Change the identifier of your network from the default to a unique name.

• Turn on the built-in Wi-Fi encryption, using WPA2, the strongest encryption setting, or WPA, which is still strong and the most commonly available. If your wireless router only has WEP, the weakest encryption, consider getting a newer router.

• Change the preset administrative password to a unique, strong password that only you know.

• For greater control, you can restrict which computers can use your wireless network by designating each device’s media access control, or MAC, address within the settings.

• If you have roommates, friends or family who occasionally use your Wi-Fi, consider setting up a guest account and password that you can enable and disable as needed.

• Continue securing your computer and mobile devices by updating your operating system when prompted, using a firewall, and using up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software to scan for issues.

• Never assume public Wi-Fi is secure. Assume hackers are monitoring all public Wi-Fi, and even those with a shared password, like those at hotels, cafes and other businesses.

For more tips you can trust, visit BBB at www.bbb.org/eastern-washington or call (509) 455-4200.

Erin T. Dodge, BBB editor