one more reason to secure your open WiFi

[robert_mcmillan () idg com]

Don't you hate it when the terrorists use your free WiFI?

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/For_terrorists_WiFi_system_safer_option/articleshow/3484066.cms

MUMBAI: It didn't need great hacking agility or computer skills to have
used the WiFi network of Kamran Power Control at Eric Building in Chembur
to send the terror mail on Saturday soon after the Delhi blasts. (  Watch
)

Mumbai’s anti-terrorism squad (ATS) has found the WiFi system was not
secured, implying no password was needed to get into the WiFi system, only
an easily available software that allows access.

ATS chief Hemant Karkare said, "Computer experts and ATS officers are
making enquiries. We are yet to arrive at any conclusion." On Sunday, ATS
officers questioned Manohar Kamath, proprietor of the firm and his son
Nikhil hoping to crack the origin of the mail. The email, claiming
responsibility for the Delhi blasts, originated from
al-arbi-delhi () yahoo com.

Meanwhile, the Kamaths said they would continue to use the Wifi. Kamal
Kamath, a software consultant and wife of Manohar Kamath told TOI, "Wifi is
a very good technology. We were caught unawares since there were no
safeguards. We will continue using it with security measures."

In the case of the Ahmedabad blasts, a WiFi system of an American resident
of Mumbai Ken Haywood was used. That too was not secured. Computer experts
say that few users bother to password-protect their WiFi accounts, leaving
it open for anyone in the radius of about 100-200 metres to get in easily.
For terrorists, this is far safer than trying to go to a cyber cafe, where
they would be asked for identification.

The 600 sq ft office has only four staff. Kamath told the police that he
does not suspect his staff. "One of the four computers may have been hacked
through WiFi," he said. She said that her husband and others were in the
office at 7 pm on Saturday when the mail was sent through their Wifi
system. ‘‘We came to know about it through news channels," she said.

Since then, the Kamaths have been deluged with calls from friends and
relatives. ‘‘The police have been fair with us and we have cooperated with
them. They also know that we are not at fault,’’ Kamal said.

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