OKLAHOMA CITY -- Wireless Internet experts told Oklahoma City television station KOCO that thieves are getting their hands on people's names, credit card numbers and bank account numbers because of inadequate security on home wireless networks.

A practice called "war-driving" involves wireless computer users who hack into unprotected home networks they find by driving around. One expert told the station that the procedure is not hard to do and is becoming more popular.

According to Chickasaw Telecommunications engineer Michael Ezzell, it just takes a laptop computer and some simple software for a hacker to set up shop outside someone's front door. Ezzell said a hacker can tap into a wireless network to take anything from e-mails to credit card numbers and online banking information.

"Anything that's exposed on their network can be yours for the taking," Ezzell said.

---

More: How Wi-Fi Works

---

When a wireless connection is set up inside a home, the information on the network is transmitted via radio waves with a signal that travels 300 feet or more. The problem, Ezzell said, is that the signal goes right out to the streets -- and can end up in the hands of thieves.

"Anything that that person does once they've obtained access to your Internet connection really has your IP address and your identity on it," he said.

In other words, anything the war-driver does will trace back to his or her victim. But what many don't know, Ezzell said, is that it's easy to protect yourself.

Ezzell offered some easy steps people can take to stop a wireless hacker. He said most of it comes with wireless computer equipment and simply needs to be activated.

First, wireless users should make sure their signals are encrypted -- a practice that will require a password to log on. Next, users should stop broadcasting their wireless names, or SSIDs, which is what hackers use to tap into a system.

Finally, wireless users should assign specific computers -- called MAC numbers -- to their networks. Ezzell said this will restrict access so that only the computers the user selects are allowed into the network.

Setting up the security means it might take a few extra minutes to log on to a laptop. But Ezzell said it could save someone a lifetime of trouble.

"The absolute most important thing is for the end-user to be informed and to be aware of the risks," he said.

Ezzell said the risk is even greater for wireless users who live in apartment communities or dorms. He said people who live in communal settings such as those should definitely take steps to protect themselves as soon as possible.