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How to Take Over a Train Station

Posted by timothy on from the just-add-colons dept.

ThinkComp writes "Everyone knows that home wireless networks are insecure, but who would expect a major transportation hub to be vulnerable to the same problems? Well, waiting for my friend's train at South Station in Boston, MA, I happened to notice that it was possible to take control of the entire station's wireless network, including its home page and authorization method (free wireless, anyone?)--and those of thirty other businesses throughout Massachusetts, thanks to a few coding errors on the part of the wireless company with which South Station contracted."

12 of 356 comments (clear)

  1. wireless is insecure? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    News at 11.

    1. Re:wireless is insecure? by sharkey · · Score: 4, Funny

      Man, we have GOT to do this! I can't wait to see how many tickets are sold to Pussyhump, RI or Shithouse Falls, SD.

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
  2. Decisions, decisions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Should you not tell anyone and get free wireless for life, or just goatse everyone?

  3. They're coming by Jonathan+the+Nerd · · Score: 4, Funny

    Please remain where you are. The Department of Homeland Security has already pinpointed your location, and agents will be arriving shortly. Resistance is futile.

    --
    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are not necessarily my own, as I've not yet had my medication today.
  4. Illegal access by bloo9298 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Summary: here's documentation of my illegal access to a system, please prosecute me, thanks.

  5. hold that thought by silid · · Score: 5, Funny

    no more running for trains - use your ipaq as a remote control for your very own train set.
    and close the doors when you are all the way through

    next stop: home

  6. Re:who did you tell? by AndyL · · Score: 5, Funny

    I recomend telling Charlie. With internet access he could start a Dot Com and finaly earn that nickle he's been needing.

  7. obligatory reply by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    All your trains are belong to us!

  8. Why play with HO scale? by vudufixit · · Score: 5, Funny

    When you can play with the real thing?

  9. Ah, screw Charlie by Anomalous+Cowturd · · Score: 4, Funny

    He's doomed. If he or his wife can't figure out that she should bring him the nickel instead of a sandwich as the train goes by, he deserves to be stuck down there.

    Besides, the election's over anyway. I don't think Riley won.

    --

    Java: the bastard demon spawn of C++ and Ada

  10. Well? by NoseBag · · Score: 5, Funny

    Did you refund your friend's tickets?

    --
    Cloned foods give the statement "We had that last week!" a whole new meaning.
  11. No they aren't by JumperCable · · Score: 5, Funny

    Dear Department of Homeland Security,
    We have recently come to our attention that you are using methods of pinpointing locations of individuals that may infringe on our "Latitude/Longetude" techniques (Patent Pending).

    You are hereby ordered to cease & desist all location activity until you have properly licensed our intellectual property rights.

    Yours Truly, -Microsoft Legal Team