Wireless Computers at High Risk

Placing a wireless card on your computer puts it at higher risk for downloaded malware. In most cases there is not a simple way to disable the device when in use.



The computer is turned on, and then signals are sent into the air seeking an Internet connection. Should there be a bad guy in the general vicinity, he would recognize a system making a connection. Should the culprit have the right software, he would be able to take total control of the box.



This vulnerability applies to both Windows and Apple computers. A demonstration was made by David Maynor and Jon Ellich on August 2. For purposes of effect they used an Apple MacBook.



The pair did not release into the public domain, the code showing everyone how to commit this act. They blamed the opening on wireless protocols called 802.11. Another item of concern are device drivers that tell the computer hardware how to communicate with the wireless card.



In a related press release Intel alerted users of Centrino mobile technology of the potential of attack. The Centrino problem allowed computers in the general wi-fi area to grab complete control of the operating system. A patch has been released.



I believe that any laptop used in the open should be used only for innocuous purposes and systems should be cleaned of sensitive data before allowed in public.