By Jessica McCurdy Crooks
One cool feature of many wireless devices is Wi-Fi. Yet, few users understand fully the power of this feature and how it can impact online safety. Ever notice that your wireless devices such as your laptop try to connect to any available network? This is Wi-Fi at wok, but while a helpfu feature, it can set you up for dangerous intrusion on your computer.
In addition, by connecting to someone's network without permission (even if they left it completely open and unprotected) you could, possibly, be accused of doing something wrong. When you connect to an available network just like that, you can be guilty of unauthorized intrusion. Not many wireless users give thought to this aspect of wireless security.
One way to reduce your risk overall is to simply to turn-off Wi-Fi access when you're not using it. Leaving your Wi-Fi connection on even when not in use is like leaving your door wide open so anyone can come in and take what they want.
Plus, on laptops, turning off Wi-Fi when you don't need it can save you battery power.
What is Wi-Fi?
This term has become a part of tech talk, and even those who don't know what it stands for know what it does. Wi-Fi, which means Wireless Fidelity, is governed by The Wi-Fi Alliance. The Alliance's role is to promote and control the standards that allow this Wi-Fi technology to work. This is the technology that enables wireless devices to connect to hotspots and so surf the net or send and receive email. If you've heard of 802.11-something-or-other, you've heard of Wi-Fi.
How to disable Wi-Fi
If you don't need it, it is best to turn off Wi-Fi access. Disabling your access to the Internet when it is not needed is one of the surest ways to protect yourself. Turning off Wi-Fi is simpler than you think and doesn't take more than 5 to 10 minutes.
First, on many laptops, there's simply a button you can press. Press it and your connection is turned off. Press it again, and you're back online. Use this button.
If you use Windows, Linux, a Mac, or even an iPad or Wi-Fi enabled mobile phone, look in your control panel or settings area and turn off your wireless access. You'll be glad you did.
