walk-by hacking

[wiljs]

article in NY times today here (registration required)

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/13/magazine/13HACKING.html?ex=1058673600&en=8fba6efb37647bf0&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE


if you have a wireless network and didn't turn on all its security features read it....

[David Prahl]

I love the exposure that wi-fi is gettting, but I have some qualms about this article...

--The photo is of an HP 19xx. And just how do you get wi-fi with that?????

--Hacking? HACKING?? There is no hacking or cracking involved in getting onto an unsecured network. In my experience, about 80% of networks are unsecured. Don't give him more credit than he deserves!

--"handheld" is one word. Not two.

--Just because you've found a network does not mean you can "...sneak Internet access, reap user ID's and passwords and otherwise peer into the private affairs of individuals and businesses." Honestly!!!

I use Pocket WiNc to find networks. What was he running that let him do KVM-type work? ("seeing their mouse move across the screen")?

[Dave Beauvais]

My guess would be that he finds a vulnerable network, finds a vulnerable computer on that network, and then scans for open ports on that computer which could allow some form of remote control. If that system had, say, pcAnywhere (http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/products/products.cfm?ProductID=2), WinXP's Remote Desktop, or VNC (http://www.realvnc.com), I suppose he could get access that way. Although each of those remote control applications can have at the very least a password to deal with.

I do kinda think he's trying to make himself sound more important than he really is with the boasts about what he can do and his fancy-shmancy suit. ;)

--Dave

[David Prahl]

I do kinda think he's trying to make himself sound more important than he really is with the boasts about what he can do and his fancy-shmancy suit. ;)
--Dave

Hey, I would too! :lol: