Google Street View WI-Fi blunder
Google are reported to be under investigation in response to Street View cars inadvertantly collecting wi-fi data from broadcasting wi-fi systems. Cars equiped to collect street view images were incorrectly loaded with experimental wi-fi software which enabled them to collect MAC addresses and SSID`s from wi fi devices. Publicly accessible systems may also have unknowingly given up payload data as well.
Google have said that they are very sorry for the error and are to employ the services of a third party to confirm that the data has been securely deleted.
It is interesting that this type of event highlights the many issues users face. Publicly accessible "free" wi fi hot spots always seem like a useful convenient tool, ideal for a bit of web browsing maybe, however anything remotely sensitive should never be carried out over these systems as we never know who is listening both through the airwaves and on the hardwired end of the access point. Man In The Middle (MITM) snooping is a lot more tricky on wired networks unless physical access can be gained to the systems, however wireless communications can be picked up out of the air with the right tools. Using wireless security reduces this issue but free hotspots work on the principle that you do not need to provide any encryption or authentication paameters.
Remember: In unencrypted transactions, usernames,passwords, searches and data may always be clearly visible to those who take the time to monitor so be vigilant.
Google have said that they are very sorry for the error and are to employ the services of a third party to confirm that the data has been securely deleted.
It is interesting that this type of event highlights the many issues users face. Publicly accessible "free" wi fi hot spots always seem like a useful convenient tool, ideal for a bit of web browsing maybe, however anything remotely sensitive should never be carried out over these systems as we never know who is listening both through the airwaves and on the hardwired end of the access point. Man In The Middle (MITM) snooping is a lot more tricky on wired networks unless physical access can be gained to the systems, however wireless communications can be picked up out of the air with the right tools. Using wireless security reduces this issue but free hotspots work on the principle that you do not need to provide any encryption or authentication paameters.
Remember: In unencrypted transactions, usernames,passwords, searches and data may always be clearly visible to those who take the time to monitor so be vigilant.
Comments
Post a Comment