Security experts warn of dangers of rogue Wi-Fi hotspots

Story Highlights from CNN International

• Security experts warn Wi-Fi users to be more vigilant against hackers
• Experts say it’s difficult to distinguish between legitimate and rogue networks
• Wi-Fi Alliance says spread of Wi-Fi hasn’t led to an ‘epidemic’ of hacking
• Users urged to protect their networks, use VPN for sensitive data

LONDON, England (CNN) — You’re sitting in an airport lounge and seize the chance to check your e-mails before your flight departs. You log on and are tempted by a wireless Internet provider offering free Internet access. So, do you take it?

Security experts warn that hackers may be masquerading as free public Wi-Fi providers to gain access to the laptops of unsuspecting travelers. Read more…

Della Lowe Best practices, Wireless scanning, Wireless security hacking, rogue access point, WiFi hotspot

This story seems to come from the files of “I am ten feet tall and bulletproof.” Many of us have a mixed reaction to those who are able to manipulate computers and code to their advantage for criminal acts. We wonder why they do not use their talents to simply make money the old fashioned way but also are outraged at their actions which disrupt our lives, compromise our security and cost us money. But then you read a story such as the one Robert McMillen of IDG posted over the weekend about the security guard and ersatz hacker who allegedly videotaped his cyber exploits at the clinic he was supposed to be protecting and then posted them to YouTube. He claimed to be adding botnets which would allow him to do a denial of service attack on July 4 just for the fun of it. He did get caught. You really have to read this story which is both funny and sad at the same time.

Della Lowe Wireless security cyber crime, cyber security, hacking