I suppose, to a certain extent, it depends on the kind of network that you're talking about, though there are some similarities in the reasons for restricting access to any kind of network, whether social, commercial/consumer-based, or an intranet.
The primary reason for restricting access to any network is to maintain the integrity of the network itself. In the case of a social network account, you would restrict access by other users to your personal information and details in order to protect the integrity of that information.
If you're talking about a commercial or consumer-based network, like those that are commonly offered by websites to their regular clientele, you're not only protecting the personally identifiable information and financial information of customers and clients that use the system, but your own business information as well. The same is true of an intranet that is used by a company. That intranet may contain information on employees, vendors, clients, customers, and the business. All of this information must be protected from accessibility by the wrong people and manipulation or theft.
Now, if you're asking for reasons to restrict access to a wireless network in your home or business, then there are several additional reasons. One of the major ones is the potential for identity theft.
Hackers, if able to access your wireless home or office network will be able to steal personal details, including financial information, social security numbers and similar critical pieces of data. They will also be able to hijack your computer and use it to send out phishing messages, viruses and other forms of malicious code and communications. Once they gain access to your wireless network internet connection, a skilled hacker would be able to access any data that is on a shared computer or server, making the threat that much more significant.
The primary reason for restricting access to any network is to maintain the integrity of the network itself. In the case of a social network account, you would restrict access by other users to your personal information and details in order to protect the integrity of that information.
If you're talking about a commercial or consumer-based network, like those that are commonly offered by websites to their regular clientele, you're not only protecting the personally identifiable information and financial information of customers and clients that use the system, but your own business information as well. The same is true of an intranet that is used by a company. That intranet may contain information on employees, vendors, clients, customers, and the business. All of this information must be protected from accessibility by the wrong people and manipulation or theft.
Now, if you're asking for reasons to restrict access to a wireless network in your home or business, then there are several additional reasons. One of the major ones is the potential for identity theft.
Hackers, if able to access your wireless home or office network will be able to steal personal details, including financial information, social security numbers and similar critical pieces of data. They will also be able to hijack your computer and use it to send out phishing messages, viruses and other forms of malicious code and communications. Once they gain access to your wireless network internet connection, a skilled hacker would be able to access any data that is on a shared computer or server, making the threat that much more significant.