It's the Wireless Security, Stupid

Filed in archive Wi-Fi on March 12, 2006

An article in the Portland Press Herald looks at the ongoing issue of wireless security and finds, to no one's surprise, that people still aren't securing their access points. According to research firm IDC, 15.4 million households had wireless networks installed by the end of last year -- and too few of them are using any kind of security.


"At best, security experts say, additional users on your home network can slow down data transmission rates on a service that you are paying for," writes reporter Jen Fish. "At worst, a malicious user can access your personal information or use your connection for illegal activities, such as transmitting child pornography."


Fish points out that manufacturers could be doing more to help deal with this issue: "Most of the consumer Internet routers, made by companies such as Linksys, belkin or Netgear, do not come with any built-in security," she writes. "Instead, the devices often ship with default settings that users rarely bother to change."


The article includes an excellent sidebar with basic instructions for securing your own AP, as well as a few links to check out for more information.