Home wireless network security risk analysis

It is becoming more and more common place to find wireless networks present in residential homes. This thesis investigates whether these networks are set up securely, if home users use the security features that are available and whether or not home users lack the knowledge to make the choices to make their networks secure. The thesis examines the risks associated with leaving a wireless network open and investigates whether or not such networks are frequented by casual \moochers\" who simply wish to connect to the internet through these open wireless networks or alternatively whether there are attackers about with a more malicious intent To answers these questions four methods were used: wardriving to detect the number of open networks in the Sandy Bay residential area; honeypots to attempt to see what attacker/intruders do on an open network; a device critique to examine the security features that are available on home devices; and a survey ofchome users to find out how and if the devices could be improved. The results from this study show that there are a significant number of networks at risk but that the honeypot system was not intruded upon. The user survey shows some possible directions for improvements in future wireless access points from a home user's point of view."