Does WiFi Security Matter?

A great article on c|net News asks an interesting question, does it really matter that many WiFi access points are not secure?

However, security expert Bruce Schneier argued that as long as people’s devices were secure, having a secured network was unnecessary.

“I have a completely open Wi-Fi network,” Schneier told ZDNet UK. “Firstly, I don’t care if my neighbors are using my network. Secondly, I’ve protected my computers. Thirdly, it’s polite. When people come over they can use it.”

I totally agree. With me and my laptop travelling around, I love that so many people keep their access points open so that I can use my laptop to check out maps, and e-mail and other basic internet functions. I also keep my wireless router open so that neighbors in my apartment can have access. I have my computers relatively well protected, and if I have too many problems I will lock it down, but it has not been an issue as of yet.

Leave it open, secure your computers, and you might just be helping out a lost traveller with a notebook computer.

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