GNG News Guy
01-03-2008, 11:36 AM
http://i.dslr.net/urls/67/5567.gif (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/The-WiFi-Flu-90650)
Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080102-wireless-router-security-flaws-could-fuel-viral-outbreak.html) points to new research (http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0706/0706.3146v1.pdf) (pdf) out of Indiana University that focuses on potential future malware attacks aimed specifically at wireless routers. Said attacks could do significant damage on a city-wide scale, given the routers are essentially "contagious" to other routers within signal range. These new infections would have their limits, however:Interestingly, the modeled router infection patterns resembled a biological equivalent. Router infections are slowed or stopped completely by geographical barriers such as rivers, for instance. Isolated areas with a limited chain of wireless connections leading back to the point of infection could remain entirely untouched if one router along the chain uses WPA.
Researchers note that strong security practices (using WPA instead of WEP, strong passwords) could make these Wi-Fi "contagions" a non-issue.
Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080102-wireless-router-security-flaws-could-fuel-viral-outbreak.html) points to new research (http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0706/0706.3146v1.pdf) (pdf) out of Indiana University that focuses on potential future malware attacks aimed specifically at wireless routers. Said attacks could do significant damage on a city-wide scale, given the routers are essentially "contagious" to other routers within signal range. These new infections would have their limits, however:Interestingly, the modeled router infection patterns resembled a biological equivalent. Router infections are slowed or stopped completely by geographical barriers such as rivers, for instance. Isolated areas with a limited chain of wireless connections leading back to the point of infection could remain entirely untouched if one router along the chain uses WPA.
Researchers note that strong security practices (using WPA instead of WEP, strong passwords) could make these Wi-Fi "contagions" a non-issue.