Chalk symbols expose London's wireless points

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

Forwarded from: Aj Effin Reznor <aj () reznor com>

[My favourite part: "There are concerns that systems administrators
could be at risk from having their networks exposed to the general
public."  If they think chalk markings are violating their security,
they need to look a little further than just the writing on the wall.  
The problem is there regardless.  -aj.]


http://www.vnunet.com/News/1133055

Chalk symbols expose London's wireless points

By Rene Millman  [27-06-2002]

'Warchalking' takes the capital by storm

Mysterious chalk symbols have appeared almost overnight in London, 
believed to be created by a gang of nerds set on revealing the city's 
wireless hot spots.

"Warchalking", as it is known, derives from the practice of tramps in 
1930s depression-hit America leaving chalk messages to each other to 
indicate where they could get food and shelter.

Today, the set of symbols tells other geeks, or "Wibos" as they are 
known, where they can get a free wireless internet connection.

Symbols written on the pavement indicate whether the wireless network 
is open, closed or encrypted. Above the symbol is the network's Service 
Set ID (SSID), which is used to identify the particular wireless Lan to 
be accessed. Below the symbol is the amount of bandwidth on offer.

Anyone with knowledge of the symbols would be able to set up a laptop 
or PDA with the relevant settings and connect to a company's network 
to surf the internet or pick up email for free.

The new wave idea of warchalking was invented by web designer Matt 
Jones, who got the idea after seeing some architectural students chalk 
up a life-size office plan in a London square.

"The chalk plan had door and window symbols and the URL of the student's 
website depicted. I thought it was fun, but not that useful," said Jones. 
"It just illustrated the possibility to passers-by that outdoor wireless 
net access could happen, but didn't tell them how to join in."

After talking with some friends about how this idea could be turned into 
something more useful, a friend mentioned the symbols used by hobos to get 
meals. Jones then set up a weblog to expose the idea to the world. Since 
then he has been overwhelmed by emails from people eager to get involved 
with the project.

There are concerns that systems administrators could be at risk from having 
their networks exposed to the general public. But Jones believes this could 
be a positive thing in promoting the need for wireless security.

"If you see the chalk symbols appearing, then you know that you have an 
exposure to the public - you can deal with this how you will," he said. 
"Some enlightened companies might provide an open node for the public, 
others may choose to limit access," he said.

Matt Jones's warchalking web site can be found here 
( http://www.blackbeltjones.com/warchalking/ ) .



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