Wi-Fi in simple terms is an internet connection that relies on Hi-Fi (High Fidelity) to transmit. It is wireless and uses radio frequency instead of cables. Wi-Fi security, on the other hand, involves the prevention of unauthorized access to the wireless networks.
Ensuring Wi-Fi security
To secure the wireless network the following wireless security is available:
- WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): This is the oldest form of Wi-Fi security, although weak it. The WPA replaced it.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): This type of security uses that has since upgraded to WPA2 uses encryption with a 256-bit key data. WPA2 is the best Wi-Fi security; it is secure and efficient.
Surfing velocity
Wi-Fi security can affect the speed of a wireless network because of the encryption and other processing that takes place within the system. However, new technology routers now have a faster processing speed that make the encryption and decryption processes far more quickly.
Practical advices
Despite the fact that using a public Wi-Fi system might not be safe, here are some of the best practices to ensure Wi-Fi security:
- Check your sharing settings: most devices have the sharing feature and make it relatively easy to transfer items from one computer, it doesn't even need skill!
- Regular updates of your system: we all know that the best practice for security is to ensure that the software you're using is current; if you do this you will improve the safety of your device even on a public network; Starbucks included.
- Use a Virtually Private Network: this is one of the security best practice is to secure your browsing. If you are on VPN, you are almost sure your data is safe even on a public network like at Starbucks.
Risks and precautionary measures
When using a public wireless network, you are opening yourself to a myriad of risks some of which include; No assurance of protecting your device or data from malicious people who have ill intentions. These people may even create Wi-Fi with those of establishments such as Starbucks and use it to mine data from people's devices. If this happens to you, it is sad that most facilities do not take liability for your losses. It is therefore important to verify before you click for connection to ensure it is the real connection.
Some of the common ways of mitigating these risks include Wi-Fi busting whereby for a secure home Wi-Fi system, you can refrain from broadcasting your network name, this way you can protect yourself from potential attackers.
Another method is Wi-Fi encryption. Encrypting uses encryption protocols to protect data from hackers and other malicious individuals. Encryption ensures only those with authorization can decrypt data.
In conclusion, Wi-Fi security is possible if well planned and can save you from the agony of losing sensitive information. It is, however, important to know how you want to address your Wi-Fi security system.
