inSSIDer Office will give a Security Warning alert if your network is open, and has no encryption.
Wireless networks broadcast data in all directions, making network traffic easy to eavesdrop on by malicious hackers. Not only does an Open Network (Unencrypted Network) give anyone and everyone access to your network resources, but it allows them to freely eavesdrop on your network traffic as well.
Doing any private activities (logging into a bank account, checking email, or transferring any sensitive information) on an open, unencrypted network is not recommended.
Recommended Actions
- If you leave this network open for guest access or similar, do it with the understanding that anyone can monitor the traffic on the network
- If guest access is not required, implement WPA or WPA2 immediately.
Technical Background
You can find out more about WiFi security here.