Wireless Access Can Make PC Insecure

Wireless network access -- often known as Wi-Fi -- requires no wires to surf the Internet. But it also makes it easier for others to snoop into your computer files. Wi-Fi works sort of like a cordless phone, television station KOAT reported. A wireless access point connects to the Internet the usual way, often through a wall jack. It then broadcasts a signal, creating what's called a hot spot. Any properly equipped laptop computers within range can then have access to the Internet through the signals exchanged with the wireless access point.

The range for a hot spot can vary, but it can usually cover about a 100-foot circle. Several computers within that circle can surf the Net using that same access point.

What many people don't know is that those Wi-Fi laptops can also connect to each other. Anyone with persistence and basic computer knowledge can access the information on a Wi-Fi laptop. Josh Lieberman, of Net Sciences Inc., said most people leave a hole in their laptop security.

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