It's worth checking which network you are connecting to

The news that police in Redditch, UK have arrested and cautionned two people in seperate incidents for 'dishonestly obtaining electronic communications services with intent to avoid payment' - in other words connecting to an insecured wireless network - should prompt us all to ensure that our WiFi radios are using our own networks.

The plethora of networks out there which use the default identfier, such as "Belkin network" means that in built up areas, your WiFi radio may not make it clear which it is connecting to, and if it does, unless you have chosen a unique name, it may not even be obvious to you.

The cases in Redditch involved the wrong-doers being parked outside houses using insecure networks. In one case the woman involved had used cardboard to block her windows, but the glow of her laptop screen was clearly seen through the rear window.

Here at WRR we strongly recommend that you secure your wireless network, but first make sure that your WiFi radio supports the encryption method used.