Members of the BuzzBlog Brigade were asked to weigh in on the notion of private property owners being required by regulation or law to secure their wireless networks. Here’s what Phil Daley had to say:
I don’t like it, as I purposely share my wireless connection, and do so in a relatively responsible manner, where e-mail is not allowed, but plain Web browsing, etc. is allowed. I guess if this was enforced, I would enable the security, but publish the password.
I have not thought that the wireless networks are all that big a deal in terms of security. Getting people to get a decent firewall on their DSL machines is far more of a concern to me — I get thousands of hits from people’s DSL machines trying to find exploits in my servers, send spam, etc.
I think a better solution for this Arizona building is for the owner to provide wireless access, and then include it in the rent, or charge per person. He can make a little money, and the tenants can get faster and more reliable (and more secure?) Internet for less.
— Phil Daley
