Re: [A/S] A question

[Rick Kunath <k9ao@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

WiFI is pretty insecure...

We had a local Police agency here decide to interface a WiFi access 
point to our multi-county law enforcement data information network here 
to facilitate transmission of reports directly from squad cars without 
using the secure (and slower) CDPD (cellular digital packet data) 
wireless network that they all use for MDC (mobile data computer) 
data... needless to say it was strictly forbidden because of security 
issues.

As an informative demonstration I parked outside the station with the 
Chief in my vehicle and snatched his encryption keys and all of his 
"secret" access codes with my laptop in about 5 minutes. I left with the 
access point removed, and the network again secure.

WiFi is cool, great technology, but secure it isn't. It kind of falls 
into the category of locks. they'll keep your honest neighbors out, but 
no criminal is going to be bothered by them. Just be careful as to what 
you send wirelessly and make sure any sensitive information is sent over 
an https:// secure and encrypted connection between your machine and the 
server on the other end.

As to campground "secret codes" an unscrupulous camper could sniff them 
over-the-air and be in for free easily. They could also see anything 
else that you are sending wirelessly. Would they, probably not. But they 
could. Be careful. There are all kinds of applications floating around 
for sniffing wireless activity.

Look at it this way... if you and your computer can negotiate a 
connection, so-called secure or otherwise with a WiFi access point, it 
can be sniffed over the air and spoofed by another user.

You don't have to be scared of wireless, just recognize it's limitations.

Rick Kunath
WBCCI #3060