An unprotected wireless network can cause problems for the owner. For example, someone may be able to intercept your traffic or use your network, and your unique IP number, to download illegal material.
Secure – provided it is used correctly
Over 90 per cent of those using wireless networks at home feel that they are always or are usually secure when using the network. However, at the same time 55 per cent replied that they did not know what to do in order to secure their wireless network.
"Wireless communications are generally regarded as secure if used correctly, but there are risks to be aware of. We hope that our advice and films will promote enhanced security," says Christoffer Karsberg, Head of Security and Addressing at PTS.
Three films on YouTube provide information and advice
PTS wishes to use the three short films on the Internet to provide information about how to make your wireless network secure, how to set Bluetooth up on your mobile telephone and how to communicate more securely in town when using a wireless connection.
The films are available at www.youtube.com/myndighetenpts, and on PTS's website, www.pts.se/internetsakerhetsfilm. The films are in Swedish.
PTS's site on Internetsecurity also provides good advice about Internet security, as does www.surfalugnt.se. Both sites are in Swedish.
How to secure your wireless network
In order secure your wireless network, you should do the following:
- Change the user name and password of your wireless router and disable the possibility of changing settings remotely
- Change the name of the wireless network and deactivate the broadcasting of your network name
- Activate encryption
More advice and more facts
In the report entitled 'More secured wireless communications', PTS provides advice about how you can communicate more securely when using wireless networks at home, wireless networks in town, mobile broadband and Bluetooth. Read a summary of the report in English.
In the report entitled 'Consumer attitudes to internet security. A survey of knowledge, behaviour and trust', PTS presents the views of Swedes on Internet security. This study was conducted by TNS Gallup on the assignment of PTS during the period 20 February to 6 March 2009; in total, 1 002 Swedes were interviewed by telephone or via the Web.
Both reports are in Swedish.
For more information, please contact Christoffer Karsberg, head of Security and Addressing, 070-811 40 12 or PTS's Press Office 08-678 55 55.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) monitors the electronic communications and postal sectors in Sweden. The term ‘electronic communications’ includes telephony, the Internet and radio. The Agency works with consumer and competition issues, efficient utilisation of resources and secure communications. Read more at www.pts.se.