Lessons from Google Wi-Fi Gaffe

Lately, Google has been apologizing for mistakenly collecting data from unprotected Wi-Fi networks with the fleet of vans the company has sent out for its StreetView service.  Some have pointed out that, by leaving their wireless networks unprotected, companies had no reason to expect their data would not be collected somehow.

And so we have another example of what can happen when data and communications are left unprotected.  You’re even susceptible to accidental disclosure of information.  What other accidents might occur?  One thing that comes to mind is accidental loss of bandwidth.  Someone who doesn’t know any better might turn on their laptop and find that they have Internet access.  What they didn’t realize is that they automatically connected to your network, and while they are streaming high-quality video, your employees are struggling to get their work done.

Accidents will happen.  If you must have a wireless network, and you still have not secured it, do something about it (hint: WPA2).