Going online is already scary with malicious software, phishing and other nasty threats ready to take our personal information as their own. Now we have to worry about someone hacking into the wireless connection for whatever reason. To avoid the hassle take the time to do these steps to protect you and your identity.

The first thing to do is update the modem/router to the latest technology. The wired equivalent privacy routers or WEP provide a layer of security called encryption with the help of Wi-Fi protected access or WPA. The older ones have them but are not as strong as the newer models today. Either install new WPA updates if available or purchase a new WEP or WPA router.

The next thing to do is to get a password. Also called a security key this password must be easy for you to remember but hard for everyone else. The best passwords are not actual words; they are ten-character, alphanumeric, random lowercase and uppercase codes. An example is Gx12C7p00m. Also change the default login information that comes with the router setup.

The service set identifier or SSID is a wireless signal that connects you to your online destination. Change the name so they don’t know who you are and disable the signal so they can’t see or find you. After that set the firewall up if the modem/router has that option available for another layer of protection.

Finally as always have a firewall, antivirus, antispyware and other internet security for protection. Keep all of them updated. The same things that protect the computer from malicious software may also protect you from wireless hackers should they get inside. Should you travel or be gone for a few days turn the router off.

Is your wireless connection hacker proof? It is now.