Wireless

As ubiquitous and convenient as Wireless LAN Hotspots are, it is probably the single most dangerous technology to the mobile computer user. From a security standpoint it is an absolute nightmare because of multiple inadequacies. The two biggest issues with Hotspots is that you have no idea if you’re connecting to a legitimate Access Point or if you’re connecting to a hacker’s fake Access Point and everything you send and receive is transmitted in clear text with no encryption.

RSA, the security division of EMC, has completed its annual wireless survey, and the news is mixed. Wireless adoption is moving briskly in the post-WEP era, with advanced encryption gaining ground, yet there have been some minor setbacks.

There are also some potential warning flags for still-emerging wireless technologies, such as RFID.

Nortel Networks plans to deliver its own set of 802.11n wireless LAN products later in 2008, as part of a strategy to package a range of data and voice products to create wholly wireless office environments.

British schools are wasting money on wireless networks that don't work properly, claimed 3Com and specialist reseller 802UK. The two companies kicked off a fight back against anti-Wi-Fi misinformation, arguing that not only is wireless less harmful than mobile phones, but it can provide major educational benefits.

"A lot of money is being spent on the wrong things," said Gary Hudson, 802UK's managing director. "When we host seminars, 80% of schools say yes, we have a wireless network, and no, it doesn't work properly.

Telstra continues its stoush with everyone over high-speed broadband attacking rival Optus-Elders's (OPEL) proposal claiming flaws in WiMax technology would result in "severely degraded speeds" for some customers.

The telco's chief technology officer Dr Hugh Bradlow outlined a number of grievances with WiMax, and in particular its radio-based system, in a letter sent to all federal MPs.

Researcher Ermanno Pietrosemoli has set what appears to be a new record for the longest communication link with Wi-Fi.

UAE internet users are leaving their systems vulnerable to hackers by not setting their security configurations properly, researchers are warning.

A recent study by the American University of Sharjah into wireless security in the UAE found that a significant number of the wireless networks in Dubai and Sharjah have not been secured.

Global internet security specialist, Trend Micro, has praised The American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, for its research into the security levels of wireless internet connections in the region.

The research, led by Dr Fadi Aloul, demonstrated a range of risks associated with using an unsecured wireless internet connection.

Internet voice and video calls are on the cards for some PlayStation Portable (PSP) owners later this year.

British Telecommunications PLC (BT) said last week that it is developing a software-based Internet telephony package for the portable device. The system will allow users to make voice and video calls across a Wi-Fi network. Later it will be extended to cover calls and messages to PCs, fixed line phones and cell phones, said BT.

The PSP comes built-in with a Wi-Fi adapter. Video calls will require the use of an add-on camera.

Open your laptop computer in any airport, hotel or coffee shop, and you'll often find unsecured Wi-Fi networks available for free browsing.

Although these innocent-sounding offerings - Anytown Municipal Wi-Fi, Karen's Home Router, etc. - generally offer safe harbor, they sometimes serve as bait for hackers, identity thieves and other bad guys.