N.Y. County Mandates Wireless Security

Mynister writes "CNN has an article about Westchester County NY forcing small business to use basic security on their wireless networks. From the article "The law also requires that businesses offering Internet access -- coffeehouses and hotels, for example -- post signs warning that users should have firewalls or other security measures.""

Comments

Not really security

[flooey]

From the article:

The law requires each business to install a firewall or change the default SSID, the name that identifies a wireless network, if the personal information stored has not already been encrypted.

Umm...changing the SSID does nothing, in terms of security. If that's all that's required to satisfy this new law, I'm amazed.

Re:Not really security

[Abcd1234]

So why pass a law in the first place?? Just start a public information campaign. Send fliers, broadcast commercials, that sort of thing. Laws should be our *last* resort when trying to deal with any sort of issue, and that includes technical ones.

Re:Hmmm

[N3TW4LK3R]

I don't think they want to enforce it.
They're just making this law so that the courts can blame someone in case of damages

Secure by default

[DrXym]

The Netgears of this world should ship their devices secure by default. The device should be set up to use encryption by default, using a random key (printed on the unit underside and a slip of paper) and the appropriate instructions to let the user figure the rest out.

It can't be hard to do and with the appropriate marketing might shift a few more devices.

Stupidity.

[hyfe]

Next step is to draft and enact a law making it a criminal offence not to lock your door. Won't take long 'till the whole family is gathered, together again, in prison/workcamp. It'll be fun!