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 What security?

 
A survey of wi-fi networks in London, Frankfurt, New York and San Francisco has revealed that more than a third of companies had basic security features turned off.

The survey from RSA Security shows that companies have gotten worse in securing their networks. In 2004, the figure of lack security was only 15%.

RSA found that most firms were turning on their wireless networks with default settings. At least 26% of networks in London used default settings, whilst 31% of companies went with default in New York.

With a laptop computer and free software available from the Internet, researchers were able to pick up information from company wireless networks simply by driving around the cities’ streets. In the wrong hands this type of easy access to a corporate network could be used to get hold of confidential information, disrupt business – or the network could be used to launch an Internet attack on another organisation.

"These figures are another stark warning to unsecured businesses to get their act together," said Phil Cracknell, chief technology officer at NetSurity.

As more public wi-fi hotspots appear and people become more familiar with using them, it was getting more likely that insecure would be found.

Accidental or intentional connection to a corporate network can bring with it a series of security issues including loss of confidential data and installation of malicious code," he said.