Wifi security question

[Sarevok]

I heard WEP is rather unsecure. But lots of people including me use it. So I was wondering what are the risks of relying on WEP. Is it possible someone could use my internet for free, take a lot look my shared folder or do other mischief that often happens in unsecured wifi networks ? If so what are the chances of it actually happening ? Can any 12 year old script kiddy do it with a downloaded program or is it a exotic exploit the average person need not worry about ?

[Dominus Atheos]

All you have to do is google "wep cracker" and the first result will direct you to a program that can find the passcode to let them on that network, after which it's like you don't have any encryption at all.

[Beowulf]

Cracking WEP is the work of literally 5 minutes with a cracking program. Do not use unless you have no alternative. It is something that any 12 year old script kiddy can do.

[DaveJB]

The only situation where WEP might be justified is if you have some really old device that's incompatible with WPA (such as the DS). Otherwise, WPA or WPA2 is a far safer bet.