October 12, 2008.
WiFi is an established wireless Internet technology. It is established because there is a WiFi workgroup which certifies wifi hardware and sets the specifications for every new rendition of the technology. It is important to note WiFi was, and still is, meant for local area netowrking (LAN). To this end, it is not meant to connect you to the Internet at great distances. Most wifi hardware gives you a wireless connection between 100-500 feet (this is an average).
WiFi security, or the lack thereof, is a misnomer. WiFi has a number of security options to help you secure your wireless connection to the Internet. It is true if you do not secure the connection or use the basic security (WEP), the opportunity for nefarious activity may be higher. However, you must consider a wifi connection is a short-range technology and a potential breach by hackers can only be achieved by someone being within range of your wifi hardware. Regardless, if setting up your own wifi network you should consider using WPA or WPA2 for securing the network. In the very least use WEP for basic security and try not to be liberal about who you give the passcode to.
Here at WiFi.com, we are creating an environment in which you can secretly share your WEP passcode with friends on various social networks and your email contact lists. This is one of a number of features we are working on here at WiFi.com - check back often to learn more. Also, check out our support forum.