Wireless broadband hijacked

Police in Alexandra this week urged residents to review their wireless broadband security.

Sergeant Andy Reed,of Alexandra, said it appeared visitors had been driving around the town until they found an unsecured network.

Unscrupulous web surfers can "piggyback" another wireless connection if the target computer's network settings are unsecured or a firewall is switched off.

Piggybacking another wireless connection could cause problems if the hacker downloaded prohibited material such as pornography, he said. "People really need to take some steps," he said.

There were two reports of unauthorised internet access in the town on December 15.

Mr Reed said residents could keep computers safe by hardening security settings.

Firewalls, built-in or software, must be turned on when accessing the internet and anti-virus and anti-spyware software can be used.

The University of Otago recommends third-party software on top of built-in measures because "no single solution can offer protection against all possible attacks".

john.edens@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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