As broadband services become ever more popular across the UK the use of so-called Wi-Fi routers has not only increased accessibility but also introduced a potentially serious security risk. Even though each Wi-Fi router comes with a strong suggestion that you should secure your network, to stop others in your area “hooking up”, many people seem to be leaving their network open to unauthorised access. But what is the problem?
Aside from the fact that the more people who log on to your network the slower the system will be for you, we are also seeing more and more Internet service providers clamping down on illegal activities and illegal downloads in particular. Many people may not be aware that while a third party may well be downloading illegal material via your Wi-Fi connection, it is you who is logging on to your Internet service provider and it is you who would be liable for any fines.
Many people do not understand that even though a number of third parties could log on to your system, their connection would be via your Internet service provider and you will be the user who comes up as having downloaded any material. When the authorities become aware of illegally downloaded material and the parties in question decide to push for charges, they will approach your Internet service provider for information and many people in the UK have experienced the dreaded “letter through the door”.
Fines can be substantial and they are set to grow in size in the years to come!