Wi-Fi security settings cause confusion
An Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) survey has revealed that almost half of those who use wi-fi technology in the home do not understand how to configure their network's security settings.
The practice of 'stealing' wireless internet access (which may be done for an illegal purposes or cause a user to exceed its prescribed data limit) and other technology crimes such as online identity theft are becoming more and more common. But although public awareness of these problems has increased over the years, this has not necessarily led to people acting to prevent such dangers.
As a result of the confusion, the ICO has published guidelines that offer tips on how to make home networks more secure, such as encrypting the information sent using them and preventing unauthorised access by protecting your network with a strong password.
In addition to the ICO providing its own guidance, it has also rallied for Internet Service Providers, manufacturers and retailers to make their instruction manuals clear regarding their Wi-Fi products and emphasise the dangers of having an unsecured network.
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