How to Secure a Wireless Internet Connection

One of the problems with a wireless network is that all your data is just out there, broadcast over the air via radio waves, for anyone to grab.

Without some form of wireless security, anyone with a wireless PC can tap into your wireless network. At the very least, they can steal bandwidth from your Internet connection. Worst case, they might be able to access the personal files stored on your PC.

To keep outsiders from tapping into your wireless network, you can add wireless security.

This is done by assigning a fairly complex encryption code to your network, so that any computer using the network must know the code. A stranger trying to tap into your network won't know the code and won't be able to access data.

How Wireless Security Works

Wireless security works by requiring a network key, which is a type of encrypted password. It's the digital equivalent of the key you use to unlock the door to your house.

With wireless security, the key is a series of letters and numbers. The longer the network key -- that is, the more numbers and letters in the string -- the stronger the encryption. And, of course, the stronger the encryption, the more secure your wireless network will be.

Different Types of Wireless Security

Activating Wireless Security

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.