7 steps to secure your WiFi

Terror groups have hacked unsecured WiFi connections to send emails, putting the life of the user in grave danger. Here's how you can avoid a team of cops at your doorstep

If you are jolted by the number of blasts that rock the country, a police team knocking at your doors soon after could be even more shocking. Indeed, an embarrassing and dreary experience in these uncertain times.

With terror outfit Indian Mujahideen raising its ugly head time and again, using its signature style of hacking a WiFi connection to send out an e-mail claiming credit for a terror attack, don't be surprised if you are the unfortunate one.

Terror outfits using hacked connections are becoming increasingly rampant and there is an urgent need to secure your Internet connection.
u00a0
Otherwise, be prepared for some uncomfortable questions and long grilling sessions by the police should the terror email be traced to your connection.

Despite repeated requests by the Mumbai police and cyber experts, several connections in the city continue to remain unsecured, increasing their vulnerability of being misused by anti-social elements.

A recent survey by Mumbai Police along with leading cyber experts revealed that a startling 35,000 WiFi networks in Mumbai are unsecured.

According to the findings, of the two lakh Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) networks in the city, a little over 17 per cent were found to be unprotected.

IM members earlier used cyber cafes to send the terror emails but after the police crackdown on cyber cafes, the group abandoned the modus operandi.

Also, as a security measure, cyber cafes in the city were directed to install CCTV cameras and also jot down the details of users, who have to carry photo identity cards for verification purposes.
u00a0
"After these strict orders were passed, the terror group, which has recruited qualified engineers, decided to hack into connections and send the email.

Often investigations in such cases meet a dead end," said a senior police official from the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS).

MiD DAY Reckoner
MiD DAY offersu00a0you a weekly guide to everyday stuff that you did not know who to ask.

From solutions to problems and worries that the big bad city throws up, from lodging a police complaint to ducking deadly computer viruses, to being a more informed and alert citizen, we will help and guide you in all of it.

Every week, we will give a hand-out, complete with an easy-to-follow guide. Watch out for this space every Monday

Expert says
"With anti-social elements hacking into Internet connections to carry out their activities, there is an urgent need to create awareness about securing the connections," said Vijay Mukhi, cyber expert

35,000
The number of WiFi connections in Mumbai that are still unsecured

2 lakh
Total number of WiFi connections in Mumbai

How can you keep the hackers away?
The best option is to call a computer expert or engineer and instruct them
to secure your connection.

Here's how to do it:

Enable firewalls on each computer and router: Modern network routers contain built-in firewall capability, but the option also exists to disable them. Ensure that your router's firewall is turned on.

Position the router or access point safely: While installing WiFi, ensure that the position of the access point or router prevents its reach to the exterior as much as possible. Try to position the device as far away from the windows as possible.

Turn off network during extended periods of non-use: Avoid leaving your network available when you are not using it. Shutting down your network will most certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in.

Avoid using default usernames and passwords: Use a login/password on your router that is different than the default settings. Most routers are made available with a default combination that can be hacked

Enable MAC Address filtering: Each wireless device has a unique identifier called the MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of the MACs for all devices that connect to them. It ensures that rogues cannot connect to it

Avoid auto-connect to open wireless networks: Your connection allows you to connect to an open wireless network such as a free wireless hotspot or your neighbour's router. This exposes your PC to security risks and attacks.

Limit the no of people who can see your network by disabling the SSID broadcast: The wireless access point or router typically broadcasts the SSID over the air at regular intervals. Home users can avoid this facility.

Blast from the past

Dec 2010
Disc jockey Akhil Talreja's unsecured WiFi connection in Sector 17 at Vashi in Navi Mumbai was hacked into to send the terror email to media houses after
the Varanasi blast.

Sep 2010
After a firing outside Delhi's Jama Masjid, the email claiming responsibility was traced to Borivli. It was sent using a Tata mobile phone procured using fake documents.

Sep 2008
After the Delhi blasts, an email was sent and the IP address was traced
to Chembur. The unsecured WiFi
of a firm Kamran
Power Control Pvt Ltd had been used.

Aug 2008
IM shot off an email to various media houses ridiculing security agencies. The IP address was traced to the WiFi network of Khalsa college in Matunga

July 2008
An unprotected WiFi network of Kenneth Haywood, an American, was used to send a similar email to news organisations after the Ahmedabad explosions.