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That nice, new computerized car you just bought could be hackable. Of course, your car is probably not a high-priority target for most malicious hackers. But security experts tell CNET that car hacking is starting to move from the realm of the theoretical to reality, thanks to new wireless technologies and evermore dependence on computers to make cars safer, more energy efficient, and modern.. "Now there are computerized systems and they have control over critical components of cars like gas, brakes, etc.," said Adriel Desautels, chief technology officer and president of NetraGard, which does vulnerability assessments and penetration testing on all kinds of systems. "There is a premature reliance on technology." Often the innovations are designed to improve the safety of the cars. For instance, after a recall of Firestone tires that were failing in Fords in 2000, Congress passed the TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation) Act that required that tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) be installed in new cars to alert drivers if a tire is underinflated. The link for this article located at CNET is no longer available. . 'Now there are computerized systems and they have control over critical components of cars like gas,. computerized, bought, hackable, course, probably. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
An international dispute over a wireless computing standard took a bitter turn this past week with the Chinese delegation walking out of a global meeting to discuss the technology. . The delegation's walkout from Wednesday's opening of a two-day meeting in the Czech Republic escalated an already rancorous struggle by China to gain international acceptance for its homegrown encryption technology known as WAPI. It follows Chinese accusations that a U.S.-based standards body used underhanded tactics to prevent global approval of WAPI. "In this extremely unfair atmosphere, it is meaningless for the Chinese delegation to continue attending the meeting," the Standardization Administration of China delegation said in a statement carried by the official Xinhua News Agency. The link for this article located at Excite News is no longer available. . The delegation's walkout from Wednesday's opening of a two-day meeting in the Czech Republic escalat. international, dispute, wireless, computing, standard, bitter. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
What do you see as the top three information security threats that are most likely to hit U.S.-based multinationals? One of the biggest threats we have right now is deployment of resources intended either to save on cost or enhance features without thinking through the consequences. VoIP and wireless fall in this category. They have failure modes that are very different than what they are replacing and are not well understood. Perceived cost advantages are driving these technologies, but that is overcoming the caution that should be in place. That's a threat not in the sense of a particular attack, but it is a systemic problem that leads to weakness in security posture and therefore may lead to attacks. . The link for this article located at Network World is no longer available. . This paper examines the vulnerabilities associated with virtual communication systems and mobile technology and their influence on overall safety measures.. VoIP Security,Risk Management,Information Threats,Network Diversity. . Benjamin D. Thomas
Three Brisbane university students have discovered a major flaw in wireless network technology that means hackers can bring down critical infrastructure in as little as five seconds. . . .. Three Brisbane university students have discovered a major flaw in wireless network technology that means hackers can bring down critical infrastructure in as little as five seconds. The finding, which is likely to have worldwide ramifications - was identified by the Queensland University of Technology's Information Security Research Centre. Wireless technology is booming in popularity because it allows for access to the Internet without the need for cables and it is also used in some countries - but not Australia - to control infrastructure such as railways and electricity. Associate Professor Mark Looi, the deputy head of QUT's School of Software Engineering and Data Communications, said the discovery should send a warning to government and industry worldwide. "Any organisation that continues to use the standard wireless technology (IEEE 802.11b) to operate critical infrastructure could be considered negligent," Professor Looi said. "This wireless technology should not be used for any critical applications, as the results could potentially be very serious." The link for this article located at TheCourierMail is no longer available. The link for this article located at TheCourierMail is no longer available. The link for this article located at TheCourierMail is no longer available. . Melbourne researchers uncover a significant vulnerability in cellular networks, threatening essential systems and international safety.. Brisbane Students, Wireless Technology, Security Threats, Network Vulnerability. . Anthony Pell
The convenience of wireless access typically comes with a high price tag. But that's changing. Some airports and hotels have begun installing 802.11 Wi-Fi networks and letting travelers use them for free. Pittsburgh International Airport, which recently completed deployment of a free wireless LAN in its food court, is expanding it to all gates. "We are the only airport in the country, and one of two in the world, to offer this as a free service to the traveling public," says Tony Gialloreto, the airport's IT manager. "It's a real asset." . . .. The convenience of wireless access typically comes with a high price tag. But that's changing. Some airports and hotels have begun installing 802.11 Wi-Fi networks and letting travelers use them for free. Pittsburgh International Airport, which recently completed deployment of a free wireless LAN in its food court, is expanding it to all gates. "We are the only airport in the country, and one of two in the world, to offer this as a free service to the traveling public," says Tony Gialloreto, the airport's IT manager. "It's a real asset." The airport previously had a pay-for-use wireless LAN, operated by an outside contractor. But when the vendor tried to increase the price of the contract for the service, airport officials balked. The pay network hadn't been much of a success, Gialloreto says. "We determined that we weren't having a lot of hits." Few travelers want to pay the going airport Wi-Fi rate of around $11 for 24 hours of service, he says. "Most people are in and out in an hour or two." For the new network, the airport deployed an Enterasys Secure Networks wireless LAN architecture. The feedback from travelers has been great, Gialloreto says, and executives at other airports have begun asking his advice on how to follow suit. These efforts don't invalidate the pay model, but prove there are situations where it doesn't work, says Pat Hurley, an analyst at consulting firm TeleChoice. The number of Wi-Fi users who've paid for access is in the low-single-digitpercentages, he says. "The big problem with the pay model right now is that if I travel a lot, I have to end up getting an account with two or three different providers" for nationwide access. At $30 to $35 per subscription each month, those costs quickly mount. In contrast, it's not that expensive for organizations to set up a free wireless LAN. The hotel industry is moving in this direction, too. Choice Hotels International Inc., one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, is planning to roll out free wireless Internet access in public areas and guest rooms at all of its 370 Comfort Suites and 140 Clarion properties by the end of May and to expand the program to two more of the company's brands by the end of the year. The link for this article located at InformationWeek is no longer available. . Orlando's airport excels with complimentary internet access, enhancing passenger comfort and challenging premium services.. Wireless Access, Airport Services, Hospitality Tech Trends. . Anthony Pell
Federal regulators on Wednesday set aside a swath of spectrum for a new wireless technology that would let motorists use small display screens to get traffic updates, buy fast food or find a nearby hotel. The Federal Communications Commission . . . . Federal regulators on Wednesday set aside a swath of spectrum for a new wireless technology that would let motorists use small display screens to get traffic updates, buy fast food or find a nearby hotel. The Federal Communications Commission earmarked airwaves in the 5.9 gigahertz band for short-range communications, primarily by public-safety agencies, and set out a technology standard. The service would operate much like today's popular Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, which lets laptop-toting consumers get Web access at coffee houses or airports equipped with antennas. But those airwaves are unlicensed and subject to interference. The link for this article located at USAToday is no longer available. . National authorities allocate frequency bands for emerging communication technologies, facilitating real-time navigation updates and community services for drivers.. Wireless Technology, Spectrum Management, Traffic Communication. . Anthony Pell
How about a project that combines hardware construction, community building, network hacking and, of course, Linux and other free software? Best of all, the stuff you need to get started is cheap and standardized, and there's a great balance of helpful . . . . How about a project that combines hardware construction, community building, network hacking and, of course, Linux and other free software? Best of all, the stuff you need to get started is cheap and standardized, and there's a great balance of helpful resources and unanswered questions. We're talking about wireless networks. You'll impress even people who aren't Linux users by offering convenient Net access at your business or organization and the public spaces nearby. The link for this article located at LinuxJournal is no longer available. . A tech group launches "OpenCommunity Mesh", creating open-source mesh networks in urban areas. Participants enhance skills in hardware, Linux, and collaborative problem-solving.. Wireless Networking, Linux Projects, Community Building, Network Hacking. . Anthony Pell
Mike Outmesguine leans against a Chevy Suburban packed with Wi-Fi, GPS and ham radio gadgets, gazing out at the necklace of hilltop radio towers that surround Los Angeles' Chinatown. "The cool thing about war driving is that it makes what's . . . . Mike Outmesguine leans against a Chevy Suburban packed with Wi-Fi, GPS and ham radio gadgets, gazing out at the necklace of hilltop radio towers that surround Los Angeles' Chinatown. "The cool thing about war driving is that it makes what's invisible -- the wireless Internet -- visible," the Southern California Wireless Users Group co-founder says, grinning. "I worked on radio frequency jamming systems in the U.S. Air Force, and when I got out I remember returning home and suddenly being aware of wireless waves everywhere." Outmesguine, a Gulf War veteran and Los Angeles-based wireless technology consultant, isn't alone in that fascination. During the third WorldWide WarDrive taking place now through July 5, participants in dozens of U.S. cities roam around with Wi-Fi-sniffing gear, logging access points that will then be collected, shared and analyzed. Organized by a loose-knit group of security professionals and wireless enthusiasts, planners say the WWWD serves to raise awareness of the need for home and corporate users to secure wireless networks from unwanted access or snooping. The link for this article located at Wired is no longer available. . Mike Outmesguine leans against a Chevy Suburban packed with Wi-Fi, GPS and ham radio gadgets, gazing. outmesguine, leans, against, chevy, suburban, packed, wi-fi, radio, gadgets, gazing. . Anthony Pell
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