A tale of four cities: Wireless security & growth in New Zealand

Wireless networks have enjoyed considerable growth since their introduction. Security protocols supplied with the wireless equipment have reached a level of very high and robust security. However, security remains a problem when it should be a distant memory. This research attempts to help answer two questions from a New Zealand perspective. What is the current state of wireless network growth and security implementations in New Zealand, and what still needs to be done to further improve security? A wardrive of the wireless networks in 4 main cities across New Zealand has produced comprehensive data on the numbers of networks and their security settings. In the two largest cities, these results are compared to a wardrive 7 years previously so that the growth in networks and the changes in security are identified. Where possible, the type of security implemented is also identified. Finally, a brief discussion on what settings should be considered to increase security and efficiency where possible is made.