| Computer Peripheral equipment (also commonly | | | | computer network. In fact, your computer or |
| referred to as input - output devices), is any | | | | network does not even require having a wireless |
| equipment wired or wireless that might be used | | | | peripheral device attached. For the hacker, it is |
| to give a computer or a set of computers on a | | | | sufficient if your computer can receive wireless |
| computer network more functionality or capability. | | | | signals. |
| Strictly speaking, any device that is not strictly | | | | In case you are unaware, a large number of |
| required for the computer to function is called | | | | computer peripheral devices as well as desktop |
| peripheral equipment. As such even the keyboard | | | | computers and laptops being sold today have |
| or mouse is a peripheral device. Although termed | | | | built-in bluetooth capability. Let us therefore briefly |
| "peripheral" computer peripheral equipment is | | | | examine how a bluetooth device works. |
| necessary because without it, most computers | | | | Basically, a bluetooth enabled device has a built-in |
| would be virtually useless. | | | | adapter which contains a set of instructions or |
| Most computer or computer hardware manuals | | | | programs to enable it to communicate with other |
| label peripheral equipment as an "I/O device". I/O | | | | similarly enabled devices. When bluetooth enabled |
| (input/output) devices are connected to the | | | | devices are switched on and brought within each |
| computer via USB, serial, parallel, bluetooth, | | | | other's radio range, their link managers discover |
| Infrared, radio or via Wifi. Examples of I/O | | | | each other and automatically form or join a |
| devices include the mouse, digital camera, | | | | network. Most of these bluetooth devices |
| keyboard, scanner, joystick, monitor, printer, | | | | (especially those manufactured by Logitech and |
| speakers etc. | | | | Microsoft) rely on 27 MHz radio technology which |
| Modern technology and computer networking | | | | unfortunately is not secure. |
| solutions has made computer peripheral devices | | | | While it is great to have a work table that is not |
| more functional and powerful. To facilitate easy | | | | cluttered with numerous wires running back and |
| networking, many of these peripheral devices no | | | | forth between the computer and different |
| longer require wires; instead they receive and | | | | peripheral devices, it is important to ensure your |
| transmit data wirelessly. Thus you have wireless | | | | computer network is adequately protected |
| printers, mouse, keyboard, speakers etc. | | | | against unwanted intrusion and the only way to |
| However, each wireless peripheral device | | | | be absolutely sure is by utilizing the services of |
| represents a gateway through which any skilled | | | | your local competent IT & Networking |
| hacker can gain entry and control of your | | | | Support company. |
| computer network. Thus an unprotected | | | | For more information, please call BEL Network |
| computer or entire network can be led to believe | | | | Integration & Support, LLC (BELNIS) at (804) |
| it is receiving signals from (say) a wireless mouse, | | | | 796-2631. BELNIS has a 21-year track record for |
| when in reality it could be receiving signals from a | | | | providing quality solutions to business |
| hacker sitting in a car across the street. All that is | | | | establishments and government offices |
| required is for the hacker to transmit at the right | | | | throughout Richmond & Tri-Cities area in the |
| frequency and beat any protection that might | | | | State of Virginia, USA. |
| exist within the receiver i.e. your computer or | | | | |