Two years ago, Google unleashed a fleet of cars across the UK, specially equipped with roof-mounted 360-degree cameras, to capture images for its controversial Street View service - a photographic map of almost every single street in the country.
But this week, the search engine giant was forced to admit these cars were picking up more than just photographs.
The content of entire emails, web addresses and passwords have also been collected by the cars' high-tech antennae from some houses that did not have password protection secured on their wireless internet networks.
The revelation is a long way from Google's forced admission back in May that it may have accidently gathered 'fragments' of information surplus to that required for its Street View service.
While the discovery may be disconcerting for consumers, what it does show is just how many unprotected networks are out there in the UK - although exact figures are not known. In short, if your broadband is broadcasting to a network and it isn't protected by a password then anyone could access it.
Who is at risk?
Wireless networks allow computers in the home to access the internet without plugging into a router.
This is really handy because it means laptops can be carried from room to room without dropping their connections, and that a number of computers can use the same router.
However, if you haven't taken steps to protect your wireless network with a password, then it's just as convenient for anyone passing as it is for you.
The dangers of unprotected wireless broadband
On this occasion it was Google accessing unprotected networks and collecting private data - an international corporation that has been held officially accountable and will need to demonstrate that the data has been deleted.
But some consequences of leaving your network unprotected are far more sinister.
Anyone without web access is free to jump onto your internet connection, instead of buying their own. At best this will slow down your own web use or even tip you over your download limit and land you with a large bill. (This is sometimes called piggybacking or hijacking.) At worst, they could be using your broadband to commit internet crime or steal your details to commit identity theft.
By securing your network against outsiders, you protect yourself from the more unpleasant side of the web.
How do I know if my network is safe?
To check if your wireless network is secure, go to 'My Network Places' and run a scan for your network. You'll probably receive a list of networks as there could be more than one broadcasting in your street.
Look for your network's name and check there's a padlock next to it. If there is then no one can access it without cracking that password. If there isn't, then it's a free-for-all and anyone as far as 100 metres could use it.
How to protect your wireless broadband
The first thing to do is protect your wireless connection with a strong password. Don't go for obvious words; ideally use a string of letters, numbers and symbols.
The most robust way to protect your data is to make sure your router is using 'wi-fi protected access' - more commonly known as WPA. This turns data into a code before it's sent anywhere, making it even more difficult for cyber criminals to steal your information.
You should be able to use WPA across all of your web-linked gadgets, including games consoles. WPA is not as technical as it sounds - in fact, anyone can add this important layer of protection to their PC.
Last but not least, you will need to invest in a decent firewall, and anti-virus and anti-spyware software to make sure your virtual data is completely private.
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