58 Percent Secure: Why Do So Many Wireless Networks Not Use Encryption?

This research project will analyze a large (n=98,000) dataset of wireless access points in two medium-sized US cities to examine changes in the use of encryption in 802.11 wireless networks over time. Further, changes in the use of encryption in these networks based on the socio-economic status of the network owner, and based on whether the owner is a business or an individual will be investigated. There is currently almost no research investigating the spread of wireless encryption as wireless networks become more prevalent. This ground-breaking research will establish a baseline for business and personal use of encryption in wireless networks, correlated with socioeconomic status and other census data. This baseline will help future researchers determine whether changes to wireless protocols and changes in methods of setting up wireless equipment increases the use of security protocols, thereby increasing the security of the network.