Recent research from moneysupermarket.com found that only 15% of those with wireless broadband have a protected router. With all major providers now providing a wireless router with their packages, wireless broadband is becoming increasingly popular leaving Brits open to 'piggybacking'.
Piggybacking is where broadband users connect to someone else's wireless router to gain access to the internet for free, with the potential to steal bank details, identity information or even downloading illegal content through the owner's connection.
According to our research more than five million adults (11%) have used someone else's wireless internet connection without permission in the past 12 months. The results also show people are doing little to protect themselves, with one in seven failing to put a password on their connection.
It's not just security risks people face as 37% of broadband deals impose a download cap, which could mean additional charges if the limit is exceeded. Of those who admit to piggybacking nearly half say they check emails and do some browsing and an unrelenting 12% hijack someone else's wireless connection everyday, downloading films and music regularly.
What are the consequences?
If you're not careful, you could unwittingly find a huge bill landing on your doorstep for going over the download cap imposed by the broadband provider. More and more providers offer routers with broadband packages and the range of the signal is increasing. People need to be aware just how important protection is and the best way to do it.
People are learning to be safe online but those using wireless can undo all that by leaving their network unprotected. An unsecured internet connection is just the same as leaving your front door open.
So how can you beat the broadband pirates?
- Password protect your wireless internet connection with non-dictionary words and numbers.
- Check that your router uses WPA rather than WEP encryption.
- Know your download limit and what that translates to (i.e. five music albums).
- Make sure you have appropriate security software and firewall.
- If you have children, consider using parental controls as well as password protection for the router.
Wireless deals
Most providers now offer customers a wireless broadband option, so which is the best deal for you?
Light internet users: If you only use the internet to check e-mails and do a bit of browsing, a 2 megabit (Mb) download speed is fine for you. Sky Broadband Base offers a free wireless router; speeds of up to 2Mb, a 2 gigabyte (GB) download allowance and is free to Sky customers. You also get free MacAfee Security for 12 months. Alternatively, Virgin Media's broadband offers a free wireless modem, up to 2Mb fibre optic broadband and unlimited downloads (fair usage applies). All this for £10 for first six months and £17 thereafter (based on a 12 month contract).
Medium internet users: You may need faster access and a less restrictive download cap if you use the internet to download music and games now and again. BT Option 1 offers a free wireless home hub, speeds of up to 8MB and 10GB download allowance for £7.95 for first three months (£15.99 thereafter) on an 18 month contract. TalkTalk broadband is another option for you, however a wireless router costs £30 (wired modem is free). This package offers speeds of up to 8MB and a 40GB download allowance, on a 12 month contract. Broadband is free with Talktalk call plans and you can take advantage of the free 90 day trial of security software. Its Talk Global Evening & Weekend call package costs £3.25 a month for the first three months and £6.49 thereafter and includes free evening and weekend calls to UK landlines plus free calls to 36 destinations worldwide.
Heavy internet users: If you are a frequent online gamer or you regularly download music and files you'll need a super fast connection. You'll also need unlimited downloads as you'd reach any download cap very quickly. Sky Max offers speeds of up to 16MB with unlimited downloads and a free wireless router. Sky customers can get this for £10 per month and you'll also receive MacAfee Security free for 12 months. Virgin Media XL fibre optic broadband boasts the fastest advertised download speeds. For £26 per month you'll receive a free wireless router, up to 20Mb download speeds and unlimited downloads.
Remember to shop around with a broadband comparison tool and think carefully about what type of user you are before you choose a deal. Also, bear in mind you could save money with a bundled deal if you want to combine broadband with a phone, TV or even a mobile phone package and check whether or not the quoted price includes line rental.
Have your say: Have you had problems because someone has piggybacked your wireless internet connection? Or maybe you can offer advice for those worried about internet security? Visit our forum and let us know.
Rate This Article
Click on a star to rate this article.
