If you’re like most online business owners using a wireless network, you’re probably unaware of the potential dangers to both your business and the data security of you and your customers. In this article, I am going to discuss 4 different threats that you should be aware of when trying to operate a business over a wireless network.

Many think that if they have the latest router, combined with the latest security software, they are all set and have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Any type of equipment or security measure you take will only act as a deterrent. If someone really wants to break into your network, they’ll come up with a way to do it. The good news is that most hackers will look for sites that have lax security procedures.

The top 4 threats to your wireless network to be aware of include:

1. Smell

This type of threat involves hackers who use software programs called sniffers that can scan traffic on a network. All a hacker with this software has to do is use it in areas with many networks until they connect to an unsecured wireless network.

2. War Driving

With this threat, the hacker only needs a wireless device, such as a laptop or PDA. They just drive around until they pick up an unprotected wireless signal from homes or businesses. These people will record your wireless identification information, along with your physical address, and post it to online databases so others know where an unsecured network is, ready to take over.

3. The evil twin

In this threat, your access to a legitimate wireless access point is blocked. Then, without your knowledge, you are redirected to a second access point managed by a hacker. Any information you transmit is accessible to the hacker. Keystrokes can also be captured, which means any password you enter is now in the hands of hackers. This type of threat is more common at public hotspots, such as restaurants and airports.

4. WiFi Fishing

This is similar to the evil twin threat in that it takes you to what appears to be a secure access point. By using common SSIDs of public Wi-Fi hotspots, your computer will automatically connect to the hacker’s network. Same situation with the evil twin setup: the hacker can get all the information you enter while you are connected to your network.

It goes without saying that the real threat with these and other wireless network threats is that the risk to your bottom line is in jeopardy. While some hackers just do what they do to see if they can do it, or just to annoy, the crooks who engage in wireless threats are not harmless. They can cost you a lot.