Can I prevent others piggybacking on a wireless connection?
Sure: Change the System ID: Devices come with a default system ID called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) or ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier). It is easy for a hacker to find out what the default identifier is for each manufacturer of wireless equipment so you need to change this to something else. Use something unique- not your name or something easily guessed. Turn on (Compatible) Encryption: All Wi-Fi equipment supports some form of “encryption.” Encryption technology scrambles messages sent over wireless networks so that they cannot be easily read by humans. Several encryption technologies exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally you will want to pick the strongest form of encryption that works with your wireless network. To function, though, all Wi-Fi devices on your LAN must share the identical encryption settings. Therefore you may need to find a “lowest common demominator” setting. Disable Identifier Broadcasting: Announcing that you have a wireless connection to the world is a
Assuming you’ll be getting a DSL or cable-based connection – it will require WEP encryption. Basically, other people’s PCs will pick up your wireless connection but will not be able to access your network without your own individual WEP key. The WEP key is provided by your ISP.. so basically it’s a password that will keep other people off of your network.
