Paranoia about wireless routers is not unwarranted, because the computer industry released its first wifi routers with a weak security encryption that was easily broken years ago.

Since that time, however, a new security protocol has been incorporated into all newer wireless routers and computers called WPA that is much harder to hack into (to the point that you're as protected as if you had a wired connection). As long as you use WPA security on the router you will be secured and safe.

My sister-in-law remains so paranoid about this concern that she insists the router be unplugged after every Internet use. Her children are less than pleased with this approach, naturally... I think it's healthy to have some paranoia about Internet security, but not to the point of inaction.

Keep in mind, most hackers aren't interested in a single random person's Internet access or account. So the actual risk is much smaller than most people realize.

Hope that helps...

DocJohn