Wi-Fi is a popular way to network home computers. It’s relatively inexpensive, convenient and fairly easy to set up. But most users don’t take the extra step to lock it down. This can be a serious mistake.

Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit information. These waves are broadcast beyond the walls of your home and apartment, where they can be intercepted by anyone else with a wireless connection – including attackers.

Hackers take advantage of unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Some, who are called wardrivers, drive around neighborhoods looking for open networks. Some are just keeping score, but others may attempt to access your personal data.

Here are four steps that can help you keep your home network and personal information secure.

By Kim Komando at the Detroit News.

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