New research conducted on behalf of the Wi-Fi Alliance shows that while wireless users are making strides on the security front, they’re still leaving their Wi-Fi networks too open to intruders.

The survey, conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of the Wi-Fi Alliance, found that 86% of Wi-Fi users have taken basic privacy and security steps in setting up their access points and routers. However, while 97% of those surveyed said they believe the data on their devices and networks is “safe and secure,” these same people scored an average of 66% when asked about a series of recommended security/privacy steps that they’ve taken. Some 59% have failed to use passwords meeting basic security criteria, only 62% have auto-sharing turned off and just 18% use VPNs when on a wireless hotspot.

The Wi-Fi Alliance recommends enabling WPA2, creating strong Wi-Fi network passwords (at least 8 characters long, with a mix of letters and symbols) and changing them regularly, and turning off automatic sharing on devices to avoid connecting to suspect networks.

Read the full article here:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/100511-wifi-security-privacy-251635.html