Wireless Networks: Should I Turn My Security on or Off?

Early on during this week, I read a good blog post talking about whether or not you should keep your home wireless network secure. There are legal implications to think about when you think about whether or not you want your network encrypted. The intensity of the debate from both sides continues to escalate, similar to the passion of even the most heated religious controversies.

I personally believe that this issue is one where both sides have validating points:

Advocating a Closed Network

Those who are for wireless security give warning to the possible danger of prosecution. In the event that someone uses your insecure network for criminal activity such as child pornography or illicit file sharing, you are subject to be the one prosecuted for it. Even if you are not the one prosecuted, it is possible for the federal authorities to withhold your computer equipment for use as evidence. Another issue of open wireless connections is the possibility of data leakage.

Advocating an Open Network

On the other hand, legally, the opposition says that the liability is actually less on an insecure, open network. This is backed by the idea that the wireless router is ready for use as soon as you take it out of the box. An insecure network is actually recommended as the default settings from most manufacturers. In this case, in the event your wireless network is used for illegal activity, it is not actually your fault, but the fault of the manufacturer. This is just one of many reasons why people choose not to secure their home wireless connection.

As I said earlier, I see both sides of the coin on this one. However, one of my main issues that I would like to discuss is leakage of data. On a personal level, I believe that our society is getting lax with freely giving away sensitive information such as professional and personal data, and we are too carefree as to the potential consequences.

One perfect example where this happens is Web 2.0. Many computer users will post on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blogs, etc. without thinking of repercussions. Most may be surprised as to how much information you can find on a person simply by doing a Google search. I personally know some people who have lost or were not able to find jobs because of their Facebook profiles. Be careful what information you share with the rest of the web!