Right, here’s a tip about how to keep your wireless network secure: use cables!

Okay, that’s a tad unhelpful especially if you’re accessing a router which is some way away.

So, if you can’t use a cable to keep your network secure, what do you do. Firstly, use an encrypted connection and secondly, if you’re really paranoid, use an off-the-shelf software programme to guard against hacks and other cyber threats.

Running a wireless network is inherently a risky thing. Sending a digital signal across the airways means that they are open to attack. So you have to take steps to prevent a threat being established.

Now, even if you live in the middle of nowhere and feel that no-one should be able to access your signal, remember the cases where even some of our biggest companies have been accused of driving past and gathering data from people’s houses. There have also been cases of what they call drive-bys, where a hacker will sit outside someone’s house and hacking into their signal and eventually stealing the person’s data.

It’s not as difficult as it sounds, because once you transmit a signal into the ether from your router, it is indiscriminate in reach. It does not just flow towards your computer and safely arrive there already to be used. Rather it sends out the signal and this can be picked up by anyone with a computer equipped with a wireless connection.

Now, arguably, sat at home, the risk isn’t so great, but it’s common for many neighbouring households to pick up each other’s wireless networks. And, if that wireless network is not secure, anyone can theoretically use it. It may not be for hacking purposes, but just to access the internet, although bear in mind, that they will be using your router, network and possible download allowance.

So, protect your home by only ever using a network which is protected by a security key. This is not as difficult as it sounds, because most hardware providers will provide the necessary structure to have protected Wi-Fi. If given a choice, always opt for Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA) security which is more secure than the older system, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security.

Now, when it comes to mobile computing and using your laptop away from home and looking for hotspots in pubs, coffee houses and restaurants, you will either be given free access (anyone can pick up the wireless network), or you will be given the key.

Bear in mind though that potentially hundreds will be able to access the network and that the person sat opposite you, could then force their way into your computer via the Wi-Fi signal and commit a drive-by. Indeed, this can happen so easily, that never access such a network unless you are running a strong firewall provided by a anti-virus and computer security company.

You wouldn’t walk into a coffee shop with your bag open and your personal possessions falling out; so don’t do the same thing with your computer. The golden rule is, never use a Wi-Fi network unless you have software to prevent being hacked. It’s simply not worth the risk.

Indeed, at home, or away, never use networks that are vulnerable. You might be tempted at times, but then you might find yourself with an empty bank account.