Insecure by design

There are probably for all that further networks in the area which we don't pick up automatically - as their SSID identifier is set not to broadcast.

The most part a no brainer

Enabling these Wi-Fi security features on broadband routers is for the most part a no brainer. For starters, it stops people piggybacking on your bandwidth for free and downloading whatever they want in accordance with your name, now more importantly, it stops them from gaining direct access to your home network and all the goodies - confidential information, for instance - that are stored there.

There are situations where you might want to open up your network, to illustrate - if you're troubleshooting something, for example, or if you want to participate in the global Fon Wi-Fi sharing initiative. Now in general, I don't think Australian society is but ready for universal open Wi-Fi in residential areas. The risks are simply too great - how do you explain yourself if someone hacks into the CIA from your home wireless network?