Can wireless networks be protected

Answer 1

Wireless networks can be protected against a variety of threads and vulnerability. The most common concern is that unauthorized people access and use the network. This can be prevented by using strong passwords with a strong security scheme (e.g. WPA2). Additional tools such as MAC-ID authentication or SSID hiding are not very secure by themselves, but can contribute in concert with other steps.

It's also a good idea to protect the router or wireless LAN access point, for example by assigning a strong non-default password, disabling WAN access, etc.

Once a potential intruder is within reach of the wireless network, you can't prevent the intruder trying to intrude. The aforementioned tools make success very unlikely, though.