AUSTIN, TEXAS – November 2, 2006
WHAT:The Wi-Fi Alliance, in conjunction with Kelton Research, today announced results of a nationwide survey measuring consumer awareness of Wi-Fi security. Overall findings indicate that consumers view Wi-Fi network protection as an important home security issue and are activating their network’s security accordingly.
Among the key take-aways:
•Keeping it under lock and key. Keeping families and homes safe is a high priority for many Americans, and Wi-Fi networks are no exception. Respondents ranked security for their Wi-Fi network as a “top three” essential element of home security, right behind locking windows and doors and installing a home alarm system. More than 40 percent of respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network is an important part of creating a safe home.
•Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Wi-Fi. Eighty-three percent of Americans agree that using someone else’s Wi-Fi without their knowledge is stealing. Respondents do not approve of neighbors borrowing their signal and want to protect themselves from the 17 percent of Americans who see nothing wrong with using someone else’s network.
•Security is the best policy. Americans are keeping themselves safe by activating their network security. Seven out of 10 respondents have enabled security on their wireless networks, allowing them to enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi with security protections in place.
WHO:Survey respondents are representative of the total U.S. population, age 18 and older with broadband Internet access at home.
WHEN/HOW: The survey was conducted online by Kelton Research between September 29 and October 10, 2006 and included 549 nationally representative Americans. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. Chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, +/- 4.2 percentage points, from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons represented by the sample.
All decimals are rounded to the nearest percentage point. This may result in certain numerical totals adding up to slightly more or slightly less than 100 percent.
About the Wi-Fi Alliance
The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global, non-profit industry association of more than 300 member companies devoted to promoting the growth of wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). With the aim of enhancing the user experience for mobile wireless devices, the Wi-Fi Alliance’s testing and certification programs ensure the interoperability of WLAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 specification. Since the introduction of the Wi-Fi Alliance’s certification program in March 2000, more than 3,000 products have been designated as Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™, encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services across the consumer and enterprise markets.
Media Contact:
To schedule a meeting with the Wi-Fi Alliance or receive a copy of the survey findings, contact: Dominic Ybarra, Edelman, +1 650-762-2960, dominic.ybarra@edelman.com.
