A vote for leaving your WiFi network COMPLETELY OPEN
A Wired article, seen via BoingBoing, makes an argument for running your wireless router completely open and unencrypted.
Bruce Schneier's argument takes into account security, potential violations of law and ISP policies, as well as the social benefit of both providing free WiFi and using it yourself when needed.
He does emphasize that keeping good security on your computer itself is important, and that the benefits of an open network outweigh the risks:
Whenever I talk or write about my own security setup, the one thing that surprises people -- and attracts the most criticism -- is the fact that I run an open wireless network at home. There's no password. There's no encryption. Anyone with wireless capability who can see my network can use it to access the internet.To me, it's basic politeness. Providing internet access to guests is kind of like providing heat and electricity, or a hot cup of tea. But to some observers, it's both wrong and dangerous.
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Security is always a trade-off. I know people who rarely lock their front door, who drive in the rain (and, while using a cellphone) and who talk to strangers. In my opinion, securing my wireless network isn't worth it. And I appreciate everyone else who keeps an open wireless network, including all the coffee shops, bars and libraries I have visited in the past, the Dayton International Airport where I started writing this and the Four Points Sheraton where I finished. You all make the world a better place.
What I'd like to know is what security precautions he is taking to protect his machines on the open network.
I'm far from an expert in this department, and the one guy I do trust in this realm -- George Ou -- thinks WPA encryption is the only way to go. Read some good articles by Mr. Ou:
How to protect your online privacy
A secure Wireless LAN hotspot for anonymous users
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