Mathematical trick counters wireless fraud

Wireless computer networks could be secured against fraud and identity theft using a novel cryptographic protocol designed to keep passwords safe from prying eyes.

Markus Jakobsson and Steve Myers of Indiana University, US, demonstrated the new security scheme, dubbed "delayed password disclosure", at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Washington DC on Saturday.

Several forms of wireless network attack have been already identified by computer security researchers. These include methods for secretly intercepting passwords or other sensitive information by posing as a trusted network point.

This type of attack is particular effective against wireless networks that let users relay messages for one another. These so-called "ad-hoc" networks are ideal in emergency situations, when existing infrastructure is overwhelmed or out of action.