Lurking threat for wireless laptops

[peat moss]

[news=http://news.google.com/news?imgefp=mqd7Ri7odfgJ&imgurl=www.playfuls.com/gimages/ITnews762.jpg]Windows security is once again in the spotlight, this time with a vulnerability in wireless laptop software stealing some of the limelight at an annual US hacker conference called ShmooCon.

The two-day convention held in Washington DC aims to tap into the collective expertise of hackers and security specialists. It is attended by about 500 hackers, technology professionals and law enforcement agents.

In a presentation at the conference, Mark Loveless, (aka Simple Nomad), a senior security researcher for Vernier Threat Labs and self-confessed hacker, revealed the wireless security flaw that has the potential to affect any laptop computer running a recent version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

His address, which was detailed in a security blog on the Washington Post, divulged that Mr Loveless had successfully exploited the vulnerability on airline flights to gain access to Windows machines that other passengers were using.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/breaki...259984121.html[/news]

[zapjb]

Here's how, from the article.

"The vulnerability was exposed on Windows XP or Windows 2000 laptops that were unprotected by a firewall, according to Mr Loveless."

Idiots running without a firewall.

[twisterX]

hey stop talking about me.