The WiFi snooping row  Google has gotten itself into seems to be far from over. In April, Google revealed that its Street View cars had been collecting basic data such as the MAC addresses and SSIDs of WiFi networks in the vicinity. But after German authorities asked Google to audit the data, it admitted to have been “mistakenly” snooping payload data from Open WiFi networks. Apparently, a piece of WiFi data analysis code, written by Google engineers back in 2006, was part of the software used by the Street View cars, in turn leading to the WiFi snooping (of about 600 GB of data across 30 countries!). Read more…

Kaustubh Phanse Best practices, Wireless scanning, Wireless security secure WiFi, WiFi, WiFi hotspot, Wireless security

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

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Govt. of India, has set a June 2009 deadline for complying with its regulation on WiFi security. Here’s a position paper that evaluates the DoT regulation and suggests best practices for secure use of WiFi.

Kaustubh Phanse Best practices, Compliance, Wireless security authentication, Rogue AP, secure WiFi, WiFi hotspot, WPA WPA2