Home users getting wise to Wi-Fi security

Home users are becoming increasingly aware of Wi-Fi security, a new study has found.

Sixty per cent of wireless network owners implement security on their equipment, according to research firm Jupiter Research.

Home users are most worried about privacy issues from leaving their network open and they're also concerned about illicit use and bandwidth theft.

"Security is the number one concern for Wi-Fi network owners," said Ina Sebastian, JupiterResearch Associate Analyst. "They are particularly afraid of personal information theft and eavesdropping, but the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) standard has enabled an easier setup process more suitable for consumers. "

The ethics of logging on to an open network, however, are still not clear. One in three admitted to using someone else's Wi-Fi while travelling and 12 per cent have logged on to their neighbour's network.

"Wi-Fi vendors must continue to educate consumers about Wi-Fi security," said David Schatsky, president of JupiterKagan. "As interest in digital home applications increases, vendors must ensure simple secure additions of entertainment devices in order to drive adoption by concerned network owners."