computer security

Fortunately I have not had the privilege of being part of a computer security event, but I do realize the risk being run as a user of wireless internet. In the article Wireless Web Puts Personal Data at Risk Daniel Sieberg reports how easy it is for Richard Rushing, an "ethical hacker" to break onto user's computers that are within a "hot spot" of the network. These spots are wireless cafes and parks where personal information is easily accessible, whether you are checking your bank accounts or simply sports scores, hackers can gain access to these unsecured wireless networks. Hackers can even create a fictitious network for you to log onto and then they have completely open access to all your information. Rushing says that internet users should keep their wireless use limited to that which excludes personal information, including emails. Rushing also states that "people need to imagine that nothing is truly private at a wireless hot spot." I found this article to be interesting because my internet access in my apartment is through an unsecure wireless network and someone could easily log onto it from outside the building, especially because my room is on the corner of the building. That being said, I have few other options considering Greenbrier refused to fix our broadband connection and now that I'm using DSL, there isn't a phone jack in my room and running wires throughout the apartment is a little extreme. I guess I'll continue to take my chances.