Survey finds few Wi-Fi networks use built-in security
Marcos R. Lara, active in establishing free Wi-Fi access in New York, drove along nearly every street in Manhattan over the summer to map out the presence of Wi-Fi nodes with some interesting results according to this New York Times story (registration required):
A recent survey of Wi-Fi networks, however, revealed not only the extent of Wi-Fi adoption - covering more than 14,000 business and personal networks - but also the apparent laxity of users about Wi-Fi's built-in security. Nearly 70 percent are using the networks in ways that, without other security measures, could expose every word and digit sent or received to potential interception and allow others to piggyback on their Internet service.
...Why are so few of those using Wi-Fi at home bothering with its built-in security? Probably because in most systems, it is cumbersome. Many Wi-Fi programs require passwords up to 26 figures long, mixing numerals and letters. And it may take several typo-plagued attempts before the password is successfully entered.