Many people set up their new PCs and laptops and install a good broadband package soon after.  After all, in this age it is vital to most households to be able to access the internet day and night.

But what many people fail to realise is that an unsecured Wi-Fi (or wireless) network can leave you vulnerable to hackers and other types of online fraud.

Many broadband packages come with a trial period of free software security, but usually this is temporary.  Most people use wireless routers which allow the user to access the internet from any computer around the home without need for wires.

It has been found that up to 5 million home computers are left unsecured and open for online fraudsters to access private material.

Once a wireless router is installed, your network will show up to anyone in the area.  That means anyone can access your private computer – emails, address books, transactions and more are all accessible.

Here are some tips to a safer wireless network:

- Secure your system with passwords and a firewall
- Switch off the router when it is out of use
- Rename your network
- Use software that is hard to attack by hackers
- Choose passwords carefully
- Make regular software updates