Wireless Access Points Can Fool You
A recent test at O’Hare International Airport found that more than 90% of the wireless access points were not sponsored by the airport. Many of these sites advertised “Free Wi-Fi.”
The security group doing the study concluded that at least 80% were peer-to-peer networks. These are personal computers that are set up to allow Internet access to others. While you are using these portals to the information superhighway, your keystrokes can be monitored or collected.
Most of the disguised access points masked their own MAC address, so as to be more difficult to identify. A MAC address is the like a serial number on the networking device. It can be used to determine manufacturer and in some cases even the computer involved.
Most newer laptops are set up to connect to the strongest signal. The user can open its wireless LAN area and sometimes determine whether the connection is from a legitimate provider. Otherwise, the computer that resides between you and the authorized provider can collect any information that is transmitted in either direction.
Many of these operators are trying to collect usernames and passwords to gain access to the legitimate users resources. These resources may be e-mail, corporate networks or even online financial transactions.
The security group doing the study concluded that at least 80% were peer-to-peer networks. These are personal computers that are set up to allow Internet access to others. While you are using these portals to the information superhighway, your keystrokes can be monitored or collected.
Most of the disguised access points masked their own MAC address, so as to be more difficult to identify. A MAC address is the like a serial number on the networking device. It can be used to determine manufacturer and in some cases even the computer involved.
Most newer laptops are set up to connect to the strongest signal. The user can open its wireless LAN area and sometimes determine whether the connection is from a legitimate provider. Otherwise, the computer that resides between you and the authorized provider can collect any information that is transmitted in either direction.
Many of these operators are trying to collect usernames and passwords to gain access to the legitimate users resources. These resources may be e-mail, corporate networks or even online financial transactions.
posted by skgroner | 9:20 AM
<< Home