wifi posts

Computers, Advice, Windows Software, Mac Software

Just How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots?

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — Nov 2nd 2009 at 6:16AM

Ever wonder how safe all your personal information is when it's beamed through the air over Wi-Fi ? If you haven't, then chances are, you haven't taken the right precautions to keep that information safe, either. In clear, easy-to-understand language, the 'Today Show' recently examined the security of Wi-Fi networks. While the video above is a little on the fear-mongering side, it does make some good points about the vulnerability of wireless traffic, in particular, those public hot-spots at your local coffee shop, park, or airport.

Here's what you need to know: Public hot-spots -- most of which are open and don't require a password -- are, by nature, insecure. Sure, they may be easy and convenient to hop on from your computer, but that very openness is also what allows anyone, including hackers, to just walk in and sign on. In other words, when you're signed on to a public Wi-Fi hotspot (or at an unsecured network at your or someone's private home), it's entirely possible for someone to come along and snatch your data, literally out of the air.

Luckily, there are some essential precautions you can take to protect yourself when you're in a public hotspot. First and foremost, get a good firewall program -- not the one built into Windows or Macs, though. Most security suites from Norton, McAfee, and others come with one, and you can download free ones from the likes of Zone Alarm and Comodo. These apps are designed to prevent hackers from gaining access to the data on your PC, and will block and alert you to any attempts to wirelessly access your computer.

Tags: hackers, hacking, security, top, wi-fi, wifi, wifisecurity

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale

by Evan Shamoon (RSS feed) — Nov 1st 2009 at 11:51AM

Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale (Sports Fan, Under $250)

Self-improvement, body-opmtimization technology is coming at us fast and furious, and the Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale is one of the best implementations yet. It's a simple concept: Set up your online profile, and every time you weigh yourself on the scale, your weight and body mass is sent via your Wi-Fi connection to your online account. This means that weight and body fat levels can be tracked over time, which is rather fascinating to see, particularly when you start taking notes on what you're eating on particular days, what you're stressed out about, etc (all of which you can do online). The best part is that it all just works: Setup is super simple, thanks to smart hardware and a user-friendly Web interface. Multiple people can track themselves simultaneously, too; the thing is smart enough to actually know who is standing on the scale each time. So, the Withings Wi-Fi scale may be an ideal gift for the fitness obsessed and/or diet-prone in your life, but at least you'll be able to use it, too (assuming you live in the same place).

Tags: diet, hgg, hgg-250, hgg-sportsfan, household, scale, scales, wi-fi, wifi, wireless, withings

Computers, Web

Lazy Passwords Leave 21K Routers, Cams, Phones Open to Attack

by Evan Shamoon (RSS feed) — Oct 28th 2009 at 4:58PM

In the "yet another thing to be paranoid about" category comes a report that nearly 21,000 routers, webcams and VoIP products are wide open to remote attack, simply because their owners have committed the ultimate sin: failing to change the manufacturer's default password for the devices.

The study was performed by Ang Cui, a grad student at Columbia University's Intrusion Detection Systems Laboratory, which has sponsored the likes of DARPA and the Department of Homeland Security. Researchers have now scanned over 130 million IP addresses, and discovered nearly 300,000 devices to be remotely accessible. And the 21,000 devices with default passwords are, of course, the most vulnerable -- "runts of the litter", if you will.

Tags: hack, hacker, password, router, security, top, wifi, wireless

Tech Tips

How to Fill Up on Starbucks Wi-Fi (Even If You Don't Have an iPhone)

by Jon Chase (RSS feed) — Oct 22nd 2009 at 6:24AM

As iPhone users know, you're never too far away from a Starbucks and its sweet, free (to iPhone users) Wi-Fi when you need to get your data on. The rest of us can jump online for virtually free as well. Sign up for a free Starbucks Rewards card, put at least $5 on it, and you'll get 2 hours of free Wi-Fi every day, so long as you use your card for a transaction (from loading up more money to buying a small coffee) at least once every 30 days. If you miss the 30-day window or fall below a $5 balance, you can load up again at the counter and be back online by the time you get back to your seat.

Tags: starbucks, techtip, wi-fi, wifi

Tech Tips

Share Your Internet Connection Wirelessly, Without a Router

by Jon Chase (RSS feed) — Oct 19th 2009 at 7:35AM

If you have more than one computer or a Wi-Fi phone at home, but no Wi-Fi router, you can still share your Internet connection wirelessly from the PC that's hooked to your modem. The gist is that the main PC broadcasts its Internet connection over its Wi-Fi card and thus acts like a router itself, allowing other devices to connect. For step-by-step instructions, click here for Windows Vista PCs, here for Windows XP, and here for Macs.

Tags: internet connection, InternetConnection, sharing, tech tips, techtip, TechTips, top, wi-fi, wifi

Tech Tips

Unshackle Your Wi-Fi

by Jon Chase (RSS feed) — Oct 15th 2009 at 7:32AM

If your home Wi-Fi network sometimes seems to drag at a snails pace, check if all the PCs on your network have the same speed wireless cards (Wi-Fi or 802.11 comes in three main speeds: in order of slower to faster, b, g and n). It turns out that Wi-Fi routers run only as fast as the slowest device on the network. So even if you have a new "n" router, a new desktop PC with a speedy 802.11n wireless card, and an old laptop with an 802.11b card, the router will only transfer data at the "b" speeds when both are connected at the same time. So if any of your machines are stuck with old 802.11b cards, the only option is to upgrade them with new internal or USB wireless cards, or to make sure to turn off your slower devices when you feel the need for speed.

Tags: 802.11, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, top, wi-fi, wifi, wifi adapter, WifiAdapter

Cell Phones, BlackBerry, Mobile Phones, BlackBerry 101

No Wi-Fi on Your Phone? New MicroSD Card Changes That in a Flash

by Kaiser Hwang (RSS feed) — Jul 26th 2009 at 2:30PM

Believe it or not, there are a number of data-equipped cell phones that lack integrated Wi-Fi (like the new BlackBerry Tour). If you own one of these phones and it has a microSD slot, you may now be able to retroactively add Wi-Fi to it, thanks to a new card developed by KDDI Corp. Similar to wireless network-accessing camera memory cards, these cards can instantly (and hopefully cheaply) add network access to phones and other devices.

Unveiled at the Wireless Japan 2009 expo, the tiny 11 x 16 x 0.7mm card is equipped with an 802.11 b/g antenna. The card was demonstrated at the show with a laptop, (which makes it one of the smallest Wi-Fi dongles out there), but you can bet that smartphones are the desired target here. There's no word yet on pricing, or what phones will be compatible with the card, but it could make Web browsing on your old school flip phone a tolerable experience. [From: TechOn via CNET]

Tags: cellphone, microsd, top, wifi

Web

London DJ Claims He's Allergic to Wi-Fi

by Caleb Johnson (RSS feed) — Jul 24th 2009 at 12:38PM

Inconvenient allergies (like grass, milk, or LOLcats) aren't usually so weird. But a London DJ's claim just might top them all. Steve Miller, a.k.a Afterlife, told the Telegraph that he's allergic to 'electrosmog' that's caused by wireless Internet waves.

According to The Telegraph, about two-percent of the world's population say they suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity. With most hotels, airports, and now bars offering Wi-Fi, Miller is in danger of becoming a recluse. The DJ says the only place he's completely safe is inside his home, which has 18-inch thick granite walls. Aside from not being able to live like a normal human, Miller also thinks he's missing out on plenty of gigs since he can't use an airport, or even a train station.

Tags: allergies, dj, top, weird, wifi

Computers, Web

Vacationers Prime Targets for Cybercriminals

by Kaiser Hwang (RSS feed) — Jul 13th 2009 at 9:30AM

With more and more people using Wi-Fi-enabled devices -- from iPhones to netbooks to standard laptops -- the need for public Internet access is steadily growing. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are very aware of this fact and, according to Fox News, are exploiting it to the best of their ability. By creating phony Wi-Fi networks in places such as hotels and airports, crooks target carefree vacationers who are more more worried about hitting the beach than they are network security. This nonchalance can often find travelers the victims of identity theft.

Wireless security company AirTight Networks conducted a study last year in 27 airports around the world, and the results are borderline horrifying. For instance, the baggage-handling system at JFK International was being run on an insecure network. Other airports' ticketing systems were similarly run on insecure networks. Of the airports that did use encryption, 80-percent of them used the easily cracked WEP standard, as opposed to the more secure WPA and WPA2 protocols. AirTight contacted several airlines regarding the loose security in early 2009, and thankfully, airlines such as American and JetBlue have been swift to remedy the situation.

Tags: free wifi, FreeWifi, identity theft, IdentityTheft, networking, phishing, security, top, travel, wifi

Computers, Web

French Hackers Give the Finger to President Sarkozy's Internet Bill

by Caleb Johnson (RSS feed) — Jul 10th 2009 at 4:10PM

In an effort to expose flaws in a controversial bill, a group of French hackers recently stuck it to the man with some new software. The man, President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, can't be too happy about it either.

The 'HADOPI Router,' named as a snarky tribute to Sarkozy's law, allows its creators to access and use password-protected Wi-Fi networks by hijacking a router without the account holder having any clue, according to BoingBoing. The goal is to prove that Sarkozy's Hadopi agency, which uses network forensics to track down illegal file-sharers, is unreliable and fairly ridiculous. The bill allows courts to take action against parents who might not even have shared files, but are deemed 'negligent' because they pay the ISP bill that was illegally used, according to TorrentFreak. To highlight this, the hackers found a way to make a router send traffic through a random variety of networks in a neighborhood, creating a number of muddy and false trails that would be nearly impossible to accurately trace.

Basically, the hackers are trying to tell the French government what many folks already know: It's difficult to identify a person based solely on an IP address. Correctly identifying someone is important, too, especially in court. But since Sarkozy's bill only allows five-minutes for the judge to rule on a case, this attempt at 'digital justice' will most likely fall on deaf ears. [From: BoingBoing and TorrentFreak]

Tags: filesharing, france, hack, isp, law, nicolas sarkozy, NicolasSarkozy, piracy, top, wifi

Cell Phones, Computers, BlackBerry, iPhone, Web

Buy Me Some Peanuts and iPhone Apps: High-Tech Ballparks on the Rise

by Caleb Johnson (RSS feed) — Jun 23rd 2009 at 6:22AM

Since its inception, the sport of baseball has remained largely unchanged on the field, a fact that's played a large part in endearing the game to generations of Americans. Yet, there's no doubt that things have changed in the stands. Scorecards disappeared long ago, giant video screens replaced binoculars, and cell phones now light up the stands instead of glowing cigars. It's a fact; technology is altering how we spend a day at the ballpark.

According to ABC News, the latest wave of smart phones might be having an unprecedented impact on America's pastime -- or at least how we watch it. Fans are using free Wi-Fi, which is offered at many stadiums like San Francisco's AT&T Park, to access new, unique content during the game. AT&T Park officials told ABC News that 1,310 fans logged on to the stadium's network, which features 139 access points, during the busiest game of the Giants' season. There's a pitch-tracker application for the iPhone that shows the spot at which every pitch crosses the plate, and on-demand video replays at the Giants' Digital Dugout Web site (which also features a food finder to help fans locate particular drinks and treats in the ballpark). Some fans even check Facebook and e-mails during the game, something die-hards frown upon.

Tags: baseball, gadget, laptop, smartphone, sports, top, wifi, wireless

Cell Phones

'Indoor GPS' Could Make It Harder Than Ever to Get Lost

by Caleb Johnson (RSS feed) — Jun 16th 2009 at 5:01PM

Ever had to use the restroom while at the shopping mall, but had no idea where to begin looking? Or, how about that time you were half an hour late to meet your date at the municipal art museum because you couldn't figure out how to find the American contemporary painting room?

Traditional GPS is useless in these situations because walls and ceilings block signals. However, according to New Scientist, a new indoor positioning system, being developed by Nokia -- it's being tested at a mall in Finland -- could make it nearly impossible to get lost in large public spaces.

Here's how it works: Since the walls block satellite signals, a cell phone uses nearby Wi-Fi network instead to determine its location and then display it on a map. New Scientist reports that the system would work with current devices and infrastructure.

Tags: gps, mall, maps, shopping, study, wifi

Cell Phones

New Cell Phone Tech Could Alert You of Nearby Disasters

by Caleb Johnson (RSS feed) — Jun 10th 2009 at 7:15AM

Motorola has created a new cell phone technology that could warn users when a disaster occurs, even if most of the network is not working, according to NewScientist.

Here's how it would work: In the event of disaster, a functional cell phone outside and nearby the disaster area is alerted. Using Wi-Fi, this phone creates a peer-to-peer network with another phone and passes along the alert. The process is repeated over and over, until as many phones as possible have been alerted of the disaster.

The Emergency Alert System already uses television and radio frequencies to alert folks when disaster strikes. However, Motorola engineers believe their technology would prove much more efficient, since many folks may not have access to radio or television during a disaster. The company filed for a U.S. patent in late May, so there's no word yet on how soon this system could be in place.

Tags: cell phone, CellPhone, disaster, emergency, motorola, p2p, patent, top, wifi

Web

BakerTweet Alerts You to Fresh Pastries at Your Local Bakery

by Joseph L. Flatley (RSS feed) — Apr 3rd 2009 at 2:59PM

Usually when we cover the baked goods beat 'round here it's in the form of a gadget-themed confection, so anything that actually empowers our sweet tooth is not only brilliant, it's dangerous! That's why we were really excited (and a little scared) to come across BakerTweet, a Wi-Fi-enabled, Arduino-based prototype that one mounts on the wall of their bakery. Items are added or removed via Web interface, which you can later select by simply spinning the dial. When the sweets come out of the oven, press the button to Tweet your eager customers and await the stampede. The prototype unit is being used at Albion's Oven in London, but we're looking forward to seeing it hit the streets Stateside at some point in the near future (even if our waist isn't). Video after the break.

[Via SlashGear]

Tags: Albions Oven, AlbionsOven, Arduino, baked goods, BakedGoods, BakerTweet, baking, London, tweet, twitter, WiFi

Computers

American Airlines Bringing In-Flight Wi-Fi to Over 300 Planes

by Darren Murph (RSS feed) — Apr 1st 2009 at 6:26AM

All hail the laggard! With pretty much every other US-based legacy carrier already on board, we were beginning to wonder if American Airlines even got the memo that in-flight Wi-Fi was in serious demand. At long last, the company has made clear that it plans to equip more than 300 MD-80 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft used primarily in the United States with high-speed Wi-Fi capability (over the next two years). If you'll recall, American announced early on that it was game for trialing the tech, but until yesterday, it had yet to make a commitment large enough to make you consider signing up for its credit card and bankrolling those frequent flyer miles. We're expecting more details to emerge soon, but feel free to start pestering its agents with the whos, whats, wheres and whens.

Tags: airline, airplane, american, american airlines, AmericanAirlines, flying, in-flight wifi, In-flightWifi, wifi

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'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

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Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.

Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.

Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.

Laptops: With the proliferation of Netbooks this year, it's never been easier to find affordable portable computing, but Dan de Grandpre, CEO of DealNews.com says it will get even cheaper on Black Friday. Look for well-equipped Netbooks to sell for $199 – and basic 15" laptops to go for as little as $249.

HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.

HDTVs (Really big): Need something bigger? How about a 46-47 inch LCD set for $599 – a 25 percent savings? Or a 52-inch LCD for $999? Dealnews says you can expect both. Plasma deals will be a little harder to come by, but a 50-inch set should run roughly $899.

HD Camcorders: You've wanted to shoot your child's school play in HD for a while, but haven't been able to spring for the pricey camcorder. This might be the year. Low-end, flash-based 720p models could drop as low as $60 (though you won't be able to zoom with those). Expect a high quality 1080p HD camcorder for $349.

GPS: While navigation systems have dramatically expanded their reach this year – even making it onto the iPhone – there's still a market for car-based systems. Dealnews predicts you'll be able to find a no-name entry-level system for $49, while a Garmin or Tom-Tom brand will be as low as $69.

Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.

Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.

Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.

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