Member Article

The Value of Wireless Security

Just before the end of the year, Agile Group have been to a number of areas within the North East to complete wireless security scans for some of our clients. We have found a substantial number of wireless access points within the region that are open to attack from hackers. This is primarily down to the number of incorrectly and insecurely configured routers and access points.

Through our scans, we found that, of the access points encountered, a staggering 39% of them had no security on them at all. It does not take much effort or knowledge to connect to a network and can be very simple to do. This could allow people to potentially connect to your business or home network and access rivate and confidential items.

Unfortunately, this means people could:

• Use your internet connection, thus slowing down connection speeds for your business or property

• Gain access to private business or personal information, documents and images

• Use hacking techniques to view personal details, including emails and banking information

Most people would not think this possible, simply just by having an incorrectly configured router. However this is most certainly the case and is seen on an increasing basis, with recent spates seen in East Anglia and the South Coast. That is not to say it is not susceptible to individuals and businesses within the North East.

The threat does not only arrive from hackers and those intentionally aiming to connect to your network; but from those closest to you. Your neighbouring businesses may not necessarily plan to connect to your network, but with an increasing number of wireless devices available these days it becomes difficult to avoid accidently connecting to networks you do not even realise exist. Microsoft Windows itself can automatically configure a wireless connection, thus providing possible accidental use of your internet connection.

Agile ensure all routers and wireless connections for customers are configured to allow total security and the confidence that you will not be subject to unwanted hackers. Unfortunately, these settings and configurations can be altered by accident.

If you have a wireless connection that you are concerned about, please do not hesitate to contact the team at Agile Group to discuss the matter, on 0871 700 2228 or email customerservices@agile.uk.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Agile Group .