Security risks encircle Wi-Fi

[TechBear_Seattle]

Security risks encircle Wi-Fi

By DAN FOST
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

When many of the computer industry's top security gurus gathered in San Francisco last month for a conference, a Boston company decided to point its radar toward the airwaves and see how much of the show's wireless activity it could see.

The distressing and ironic answer? The Boston hackers could eavesdrop on more than half of the wireless traffic ... at a security conference!

If most of the people attending last month's RSA Conference have not taken the basic precautions to protect their online activity while using public Wi-Fi, then what of all those civilians setting up shop in cafes and airports?

In short, say computer security experts, people are putting themselves at risk every day.

The article continues at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/308014_wifisecurity19.html

[Kagemusha]

1. Idle question: How much of that traffic was worth protecting?

I'd consider that relevant.

[Canuckistanian]

2. "point it's radar"?

If journalists are writing about technology, they should at least have a nodding acquaintance with the proper terms.

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. I think this is an appropriate metaphor

Direct signals at an issue, then look at the "shape" of what bounces back so as to get an idea of the topology you are looking at.

[meegbear]

3. They should try Apple's World Wide Developers Conference ...

they have free WiFi there and everybody jumps in. No security, but then if you're on it and know it's not secure, then you're a fucktard if you do anything online you don't want compromised.

[Akoto]

5. Many users are totally unaware of things like wireless encryption.

Just sitting here, at my home, I can detect three other Wi-Fi networks which are completely unsecured. Anyone could connect to them in two clicks and do as they see fit.

The sad thing is, it's really very easy to set up basic security deterrents. Most intruders would pass up encrypted networks, simply because it's not worth the trouble. There are lots of open ones that don't demand their effort.

[endarkenment]

6. FUD brought to you by broadband network providers

desperately trying to avoid the debacle of free and ubiquitous wifi in every metropolitan area. Verizon hates wifi.