When we are talking about wireless security, the subject can get very deep and dependent on the type of networks we are talking about, what the network does and the amount of money you invested into the infrastructure.

For this purpose I am going to be talking about the wireless security for the every day person and how the security works and what you will need.

To further simplify this I am going to be talking about two wireless situation, at home and away from home. That the network you have control of at home, usually associated with your internet service provider like TPG, Telstra or Optus, and the other is the type of wireless security away from the home, where you are more vulnerable.

Wireless Security at Home

Although no internet security is 100% proof, it is a lot easier to control the security of your wilress internet at home, than it is on the road.

For starters your own the hardware and go do whatever you want to it. Including setting the level of security you desire.

For most home users a simple WPA2 wireless password will to. I recommend changing the password which came with your router, but not something humanly recognisable.

You can go to a web site like Secure Password Generator and create a long 16 character password with symbols, numbers and lowercase.

The good thing about home wireless is you probably only have one wireless router, limiting the distance people need to be able to crack your password. In other words they pretty much need to be next door or parked outside your house.

For added security to your home wireless internet you can also lock out any other devices from connecting to your wireless, even if they have a password through MAC address filtering.  So basically, unless the router and been given permission for each device to connect to it, it wont allow.

Away From Home Wireless Security

Unlike when you are at home and have complete control of your wireless Access Point or Router, when you are somewhere else like a Hotel, Airport or even someone else’s home or business your network rules will adhere to their wireless policies and decisions.

The network might not be encrypted or password protected, anyone might be able to join the network and in most of these cases when you use public networks, it usually not too hard for someone with a bit of computer skills to spy and intercept your packets and see what you are doing.

The best way to improve your network security when you are away from home is with the use of a VPN.

Use a Virtual Private Network

A VPN or otherwise known as a Virtual Private Network is a technique used to tunnel your internet connection and make private over a public system.

This is kind of like talking to another person on the other side of the house through a garden hose, that other people in the house can’t cut into or where what you are saying.

For this to work you need to be able to trust your Virtual Private Network provider and there are a lot of good ones out there, ranging from $5 to $10 a month.

There is a list of reputable VPN providers here.