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N.Y. County Mandates Wireless Security

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the also-coffee-is-hot dept.

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.""

4 of 213 comments (clear)

  1. But information wants to be free! by needacoolnickname · · Score: 5, Funny

    Espescially client credit card info, home phone numberes, social security numbers, purchase history...

  2. Not really security by flooey · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

  3. Re:Hmmm by N3TW4LK3R · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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

  4. Is Starbuck's Secure? by nickfrommaryland · · Score: 5, Informative
    From the article:
    Some of the unprotected networks were at cafes, hotels or other establishments that offer wireless hot spots to patrons. Other networks, like those at Starbucks, were protected.
    The last time I checked, T-Mobile's service is not any more encrypted than a Netgear router taken right out of the box. Likewise, a sign will probably not protect you from much, unless you're a business. Then you can use the sign to protect yourself from liability.