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Home WiFi Network Security Failings Exposed

An anonymous reader writes "The shocking state of home wireless (Wi-Fi) network security in the UK has been revealed by a life assistance company study. CPP used an 'ethical hacker,' Jason Hart, to test thousands of Wi-Fi networks across six UK cities, including London. He found that many didn't even have a password and roughly half of home UK Wi-Fi networks could be hacked in less than 5 seconds."

4 of 161 comments (clear)

  1. Default password security by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 1, Funny

    My wifi router required me to change the root name and password. Don't they have that technology over in the UK?

  2. 5 seconds? by cfc-12 · · Score: 5, Funny

    He found that many didn't even have a password and roughly half of home UK Wi-Fi networks could be hacked in less than 5 seconds."

    I'm impressed. I can't connect to my own wireless network in less than 5 seconds.

  3. Re:No password WiFi != unsecured by sjames · · Score: 2, Funny

    On the other hand, simple MAC based filtering is a perfectly effective way of making it clear that the Wifi is not intended for public use. It's not a half bad option if you don't really care much but want to let normal polite people know your intentions.

    It will also keep MOST people looking for free Wifi out.

    The ideal MAC filtering sends all un-approved devices to the MITM box to log their facebook credentials and post really awkward messages on their page.

  4. Re:Mine doesn't by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 2, Funny

    I was passing the time on the bus the other day with a smartphone watching people's networks fade in and out of range. Most are called "2WIRE_565" or something dull like that, but the bus passes by some dickhead who calls his network "MineAndNotYours" and other people broadcasting "CowboysFan" etc. Someone on my street is broadcasting an SSID of "hornygirl", so I have to bring my smartphone trick-or-treating this Halloween.