Hacker-Built PC Scans 300 Wifi Networks At Once

An anonymous reader writes to mention an Engadget post on an incredibly powerful wifi scanner. The 'Janus Project', as it is called, can sniff 300 networks simultaneously. It stores and encrypts the data as it receives it, for later use. From the article: "In addition, the Janus Project has an instant off switch, which requires a USB key that has a 2000-bit passkey and a separate password to regain access. What's under the hood? Williams packed an Ubuntu Linux machine running on a 1.5GHz VIA C7 processor with an Acer 17-inch screen into that snazzy little rugged yellow box. Oh, and the closed case is waterproof too, in case you need to transport Janus Project on a whitewater raft to your next hacking hotspot. We don't doubt someone will." The post leads to a tgdaily article, which offers more details.

Comments

:o\

[TubeSteak]

From his Riviera hotel room and using a 1W amplified antenna, Williams said his Janus computer was able to capture data from 300 access points simultaneously. He said over 2000 access points were scanned and 3.5 GB of traffic was captured during the entire convention.
...
Williams told us that he has spent a few thousand dollars building the Janus computer and hopes to make his money back by selling commercial versions to big companies and government organizations. "Maybe one day I could get the military to be a customer," said Williams.

Forget the military, how about corporate espionage?

I imagine that'd be a bit more productive.

Re:This device is against FCC Part 15 rules

[TooMuchToDo]

If you're using this device, you most likely don't care about Part 15.

-b

Article Summary

[Anonymous Coward]

Basically: Don't use "pencil" as WEP password.

Simpler version scans almost as many

[noidentity]

SSID="linksys" (or SSID="default")

Re:This device is against FCC Part 15 rules

[RyuuzakiTetsuya]

On the contrary, the FCC regulating my microwave not to interfere with my WiFi or my wireless phone I like.

The FCC regulating whether or not i can say FUCK on the radio, I don't.

Why modded overrated?

[dch24]

Okay, this is one of the most informative posts ever. People are thinking this is Williams, the original guy who built the box (even though the thread credits someone else).

I don't see how that post could be modded overrated. If I get modded troll and otherwise ignored...

Re:This device is against FCC Part 15 rules

[argStyopa]

Of course on /., this is "insightful". To me, it's just juvenile egoism shining brightly.

"I like the way the rules help me in one way, I don't like the way the rules constrain me in another way."

At some point, the organism understands that society - the collective "we" that live together - cannot exist without compromise, and the essence of compromise is empathy.

Perhaps you might consider that some of us would prefer that you pollute your own yard, not the collective commons that is the public airwaves.