High-tech Hobby Falls Under CSIS Suspicion
Source: canada.com
Two Alberta men with a passion for locating and mapping wireless computer networks have come under the scrutiny of Canada's spy agency. Newly obtained documents show the Canadian Security Intelligence Service took careful note last summer as computer hobbyists Jason Kaczor and Brad Haines invited participants to help find access points to wireless networks in Red Deer, Alta.
The high-tech phenomenon, known as war driving or net stumbling, involves cruising around a neighbourhood in search of networks in a car equipped with a laptop, wireless networking gear and a global positioning unit.
In a confidential intelligence report, CSIS painted the activity as a threat to the security of sensitive information.
Many organizations in the retail, health care, education and financial services sectors have adopted the use of wireless networks due to their ease of installation, low cost and portability, CSIS noted in the August report.
"Hackers can break into wireless computer networks in homes, businesses and government offices using a laptop or portable PC, an antenna, a wireless access card and wireless-sensing software," the report said.
