iWay-Safety.com: Wireless Technology News & Views

How to Block Cellphone Spam

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:42:33 GMT

[NY Times technology columnist David Pogue relates his experience with cellphone spam and lesser or little known tools you may be able to use to block it. ]

5 Steps to Home Wireless Security

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 18:29:09 GMT

Connected Home Media: Steps you should take to secure a home wireless router. [Simply: change all default settings; enable encryption; reduce or eliminate the opportunity for "alien" devices to get on your network.]

Buffalo's new WRB-G54K wireless router and repeater kit

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:42:43 GMT

Buffalo's kit is great for large homes or offices that need a wireless network with room to grow and range to spare.

Security cameras aren't just for big corporations any longer!

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 20:56:49 GMT

IP Camera + Pocket PC = Security! [?? How about security tool instead!] Thanks to the dropping cost of camera technology and the proliferation of broadband connections and home LANs, affordable solutions are now available for the average consumer. [The article looks at a specific technology combination - D-Link DCS-900W IP camera and a Pocket PC equipped with a program called ViewCommander-Mobile - but contains good info on (wireless) ip cameras and setting the whole thing up.]

Microsoft offers WPA2 Wi-Fi security

Sat, 14 May 2005 23:16:49 GMT

Microsoft has added a key wireless LAN security specification to Windows XP. The specification, called Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 or WPA2, requires a Wi-Fi client to include the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. WPA2 is an implementation of IEEE 802.11i, the wireless LAN security standard. The new, free software from Microsoft supports all features of WPA2, according to a Microsoft program manager.

Researchers crack car alarm system

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 21:53:10 GMT

Researchers have found a way to crack the code used in millions of car keys. The research team at Johns Hopkins University said it discovered that the "immobilizer" security system developed by Texas Instruments - a radio-frequency security system being used in more than 150 million new Fords, Toyotas and Nissans - could be cracked using a "relatively inexpensive electronic device." Texas Instruments was recently given demonstrations of the team's code cracking capabilities, but the company maintains its system is secure. Tony Sabetti, a business manager with Texas Instruments, said the hardware used to crack the codes is cumbersome, expensive and not practical for common thieves.

Identity thieves can lurk at Wi-Fi spots

Mon, 07 Feb 2005 21:14:04 GMT

Coffee shop Web surfers beware: An evil twin may be lurking near your favorite wireless hotspot. Thieves are using wireless devices to impersonate legitimate Internet access points to steal credit card numbers and other personal information, security experts warn.

SBC Installs Wireless Internet in Barnes & Nobles Stores

Wed, 24 Nov 2004 01:57:49 GMT

SBC Communications Inc. on Tuesday launched Wi-Fi services at more than 600 Barnes & Noble bookstores nationwide. In addition, the San Antonito, Texas, telecommunications company said it plans to have wireless local area networks (LANs) ready for business travelers at 88 Avis Rent A Car airport locations by early next year.

Tips to Keep Cell Phones From Exploding

Wed, 24 Nov 2004 01:51:12 GMT

Wireless companies and federal safety officials list measures consumers can take to keep cell phone batteries from overheating: When removing battery, avoid putting it in contact with metal, such as keys or coins.

_Don't expose battery to water or extreme temperatures.

_Avoid crushing battery or dropping it against hard surfaces, especially when fully charged.

_If bought separately, make sure battery and charger are compatible with the phone model. Check that components are not manufactured for phones sold in other countries.

_Buy parts from an authorized dealer, carrier or legitimate outlet, rather than secondhand dealers or off the Internet. This decreases the

Exploding Cell Phones a Growing Problem

Wed, 24 Nov 2004 01:41:50 GMT

Safety officials have received 83 reports of cell phones exploding or catching fire in the past two years, usually because of bad batteries or chargers. Burns to the face, neck, leg and hip are among the dozens of injury reports the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received. The agency is providing tips for cell phone users to avoid such accidents and has stepped up oversight of the wireless industry. There have been three voluntary battery recalls, and the CPSC is working with companies to create better battery standards.

Mobile Phones Increase Tumor Risk, Study Says

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 02:31:07 GMT

Ten or more years of mobile phone use increases the risk of developing acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor on the auditory nerve, according to a study released on Wednesday by Sweden's Karolinska Institute. The risk was confined to the side of the head where the phone was usually held and there were no indications of increased risk for those who have used their mobile for less than 10 years.

Verizon Offers Cell Phone Backup Software

Sat, 23 Oct 2004 13:00:37 GMT

Verizon Wireless is offering backup software for phone numbers and other information stored on cell phones. The company said it was offering Backup Assistant, which was developed by FusionOne. The software enables users to back up the information to a centralized location. The service and software is available to Verizon customers who use the operator's Get It Now service and use specific phones, including the LG VX6000, the company said. The service costs $1.99 a month.

Netgear Boost Wireless Coverage In Home Networks

Fri, 22 Oct 2004 23:38:42 GMT

Netgear has launched a home network wireless extender kit that uses power outlets to push coverage to any part of the house. Dubbed the WGXB102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit, it includes two pieces, a range extender and an Ethernet bridge, both which plug into outlets. The bridge links the current home networking router with the home's power line system, while the extender plugs into the outlet at the other end to expand wireless access into house "dead spots." The kit works with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless routers, as well as wired routers, said Netgear.

Sprint Trials Fixed Wireless

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 20:36:38 GMT

Tellular Corporation today announced that Sprint PCS is conducting a trial of the company's Phonecell® SX5T fixed wireless terminal. The product allows devices designed for wireline networks, such as telephones, fax machines, analog modems, and TV set-top boxes, to connect to Sprint's CDMA 1x network. The device provides a standard dial tone, as well as caller-ID, TDD/TTY, and gpsOne for E-911 compliance. The trial is being conducted in Charlotte, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Richmond and San Antonio.

Car crazy: Microsoft in the driver's seat

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 19:23:49 GMT

The world's largest software company is revving up to position itself as the largest supplier of software to car manufacturers, with a custom version of Windows CE controlling everything from in-vehicle entertainment to satellite navigation. Windows Automotive does not share a network with the low-level systems of a vehicle--so a software crash won't result in, say, brake failure. Microsoft's entry into the automotive market isn't exactly new. Since 1998, the company has been selling Windows-based navigation systems that show overhead maps on LCD screens in the dashboard. Some two dozen models from 10 car makers use that relatively expensive technology, Microsoft says. Making the LCD screen optional, however, makes the system cheaper and reduces worries about distracting drivers.

Keychain Remote Control Turns Off Most TVs

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 19:19:03 GMT

A new keychain gadget that lets people turn off most TVs — anywhere from airports to restaurants — is selling at a faster clip than it would take most people to surf the channels on their boob tubes. Hundreds of orders for the inventor's (Mitch Altman of San Francisco), $14.99 TV-B-Gone gadget poured in Monday after the tiny remote control was announced in Wired magazine and other online media outlets. The keychain fob works like a universal remote control but one that only turns TVs on or off. With a zap of a button, the gizmo goes through a string of about 200 infrared codes that controls the power of about 1,000 television models. Altman said the majority of TVs should react within 17 seconds, though it takes a little more than a minute for the gizmo to emit all the trigger codes.

New Yorkers Get Friendly with the Neighbors

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 19:13:10 GMT

Some New York City residents are taking advantage of a project offered by NYCWireless that teaches them how to set up a hotspot to share with their neighbors: Neighbornode is a project offered by NYCWireless that includes a package of open-source software that helps interested folks get started. NYCWireless is also offering workshops. People who set up the hotspots are encouraged to set up electronic bulletin boards that allow users to communicate with each other. So far, some of the hotspots are getting people together, for social reasons as well as neighborhood watch concerns.

No mention here of whether NYCWireless offers advice on avoiding the wrath of broadband providers like Time Warner, which sent out letters to people in New York City a while back warning customers against sharing their Internet connections.

SANS "Ouch" newsletter for "unsophisticated end users"

Tue, 19 Oct 2004 16:22:32 GMT

A new free SANS newsletter has gotten rave reviews from unsophisticated end users - they really appreciate the plain non-technical writing and the cool examples. It's called OUCH! More than 500 security awareness professionals from around the US and the world helped them get it right. If you want to redistribute it to your users, that' allowed. The newsletter includes a pointer to a great phishing quiz for anyone who thinks he or she can spot a phishing email. To subscribe go to the newsletter page at the SANS portal and choose it.

SBC officially announces $1.99 per month unlimited hot spot services

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 17:13:59 GMT

If you subscribe to SBC's DSL service at a rate as low as $26.95 per month for their cheapest service, you are entitled to unlimited Wi-Fi hot spot service for $1.99 a month with a one-year commitment -- after receiving free service until April 2005.

Jamming Of Unwelcome Cell Phones Signals Growing

Sat, 16 Oct 2004 19:27:05 GMT

In four Monterrey, Mexico churches, Israeli-made cell phone jammers the size of paperbacks have been tucked unobtrusively among paintings of the Madonna and statues of the saints. The jarring polychromatic din of ringing cell phones is increasingly being thwarted — from religious sanctuaries to India's parliament to Tokyo theaters and commuter trains — by devices originally developed to help security forces avert eavesdropping and thwart phone-triggered bombings.

The Indian parliament had jammers installed after politicians ignored requests to turn off their cell phones and legislative sessions were constantly interrupted. In Italy, universities started using the blockers after discovering that cell phone-savvy teenagers were cheating on exams by sending text messages or taking pictures of tests.

Purchased for about $2,000 each, they can be turned on by remote control and emit low-level radio frequencies that thwart cell phone signals within a 100-foot radius. Users get a "no service" or "signal not available" message on their cell phones. Although Mexico has no law against the devices, the private use of cell phone blockers is illegal in the United States and most Western countries. But the tide is turning. [One can only hope ...]

Mobile Phones Increase Tumor Risk - Swedish Study

Thu, 14 Oct 2004 00:27:09 GMT

Fingerprints on File, Right From the Patrol Car

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 19:26:52 GMT

A mobile wireless system being tested in Oregon allows police officers in the field to check fingerprints against state and national databases.

NetGear's WGR101 - Portable Access Point

Wed, 22 Sep 2004 01:53:16 GMT

NetGear hops on the underexploited portable access point market with its sub-$90 802.11g portable device. Its unique feature is an external switch for changing between a single user mode, multi-user shared mode, and configuration. It lacks WPA at the moment, but support is promised.

Linksys Boosts Signal--Legally

Wed, 22 Sep 2004 01:49:24 GMT

Linksys releases legal antenna add-ons for several of its Wi-Fi gateways.

Gateway 7000 Series Ideal Security Solution for Small Office

Wed, 22 Sep 2004 01:47:50 GMT

Gateway's 7000 service access points include all the security and authentication that an office of 5 to 25 users need: Gateway released its two 7000 series models a few months ago and have received very little press. The unit comes in 802.11g ($299) and 802.11a/g ($399) configurations. It sports support for all the popular standards, including 802.1X passthrough, WPA-PSK, WDS (Wireless Distribution System), and others. [Review at Wi-Fi Networking News]

3Com Launches New Wireless Networking Gear for SMBs

Wed, 22 Sep 2004 01:25:48 GMT

3Com Corp. Monday unveiled several new wireless networking products for small business customers who need certain enterprise-level features but can't afford enterprise-level prices. The new products include a wireless print server, a travel access router, a high-speed PC Card adapter, and two new access points.

Security-Free Wireless Networks

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 22:59:01 GMT

While Wi-Fi is hot, security is not. Even the makers of Wi-Fi routers, access points and other gadgets privately say that as many as 80 percent of home users don't bother to enable basic encryption or other protections against connection theft, eavesdropping and network invasion. Experts say that while Wi-Fi hardware makers have made initial setup easy, the enabling of security is anything but. Meanwhile, average users are no longer tech savvy. [while] The gadgets are mainstream, appearing on the shelves of Wal-Mart and other mass retailers.

Windows XP Bedevils Wi-Fi Users

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 20:54:27 GMT

Here are the symptoms of the problem: A Wi-Fi-enabled computer running Windows XP is working fine one minute, pulling up Web pages and processing e-mail. Then, for no reason, the connection drops, websites fail to come up and the e-mail flow stops. The small wireless connection icon in the taskbar says the signal from the access point is strong, so the problem isn't that the user wandered out of radio range. The icon even shows that the computer's Wi-Fi hardware is sending information to the access point -- it's just not getting anything back. And manual attempts to re-establish the connection through XP's built-in wireless configuration tool won't do the trick. Even more bizarre, the connection sometimes comes back on its own.

The trouble seems to arise from a tool in Windows XP called Wireless Zero Configuration, a feature that was meant to do away with the mishmash of software drivers and configuration utilities. Microsoft disputes the notion that there's a problem with the way Windows XP works with Wi-Fi.

Number Portability Resource Center

Mon, 20 Sep 2004 16:14:28 GMT

[Loads of information and links here for those considering switching carriers but wanting to keep (or not) their current number]

VoIP Support Added To Wireless-Wired SMB Routers

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 20:19:05 GMT

WLAN equipment vendors Linksys and Netgear Tuesday announced wireless and wired routers with built-in voice-over-IP (VoIP) capabilities aimed at home uses and small offices. Both vendors are co-marketing with VoIP vendor Vonage to offer voice service as well as hardware.

Pocket PC Users Report Trouble With Skype

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 19:25:27 GMT

Pocket PC users who were expecting to use Skype Technologies' SkypeOut service to make telephone calls via the Internet may find themselves without a dial-tone. Skype introduced version 1.0 of its Internet telephony application for Pocket PCs last week, but this version does not work well on all Pocket PCs, users report.

Surf Wirelessly at Dialup Speed

Sat, 11 Sep 2004 02:34:04 GMT

Hoping to extend wireless internet access to people without broadband, a Texas company is introducing a base station that works with any dialup connection. But don't expect it to make pages load any faster. By Elisa Batista.

New D-Link Antennas Extend Wireless Network Range

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 22:48:36 GMT

D-Link is now shipping new wireless antennas designed to expand the range of wireless networks in small and home offices.

First Windows CE Virus Emerges

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 22:44:33 GMT

The first known virus aimed at Microsoft's Windows CE operating system was sent to several anti-virus firms by its author over the weekend to prove that Pocket PCs and Smartphones are vulnerable to attack.

Enhanced security, quality on tap for Wi-Fi in 2004

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 22:07:28 GMT

Two key improvements for the security and performance quality of Wi-Fi devices are scheduled to reach wireless network users this year as the adoption of wireless technology continues to grow within businesses and home users.

Is Sharing Wi-Fi Illegal? Answer Hazy; Try Again Later, Lawyer Says

Mon, 23 Aug 2004 15:15:18 GMT

Some say that if you find an unsecured Wi-Fi signal in a public place, it's okay to use it. Others say that's stealing. The law comes down on both sides of the issue, says attorney Mark Rasch.

Apple AirPort Express: Three Views

Thu, 29 Jul 2004 15:54:34 GMT

Apple's AirPort Express may quickly become one of the most reviewed pieces of new wireless technology: It will receive many reviews for several reasons, including the fact that it's the smallest Wi-Fi gateway (when you include its built-in power supply); it's the only one to stream audio in the particular way it does; it includes several interesting features in one wrapper; it's relatively cheap for any two of its four unique set features

FCC Allows Add-on Antennas But Read the Fine Print

Thu, 29 Jul 2004 15:39:15 GMT

FCC rule allows end-users to change out antennas on their Wi-Fi and other gear legally if the manufacturer has performed the right tests and the antennas conform to certain guidelines. Until now, the FCC has required that any antenna to be used with a device operating under Part 15 rules had to be tested and certified as part of a system. There was no mix and match proviso. Further, the FCC required unique connectors for each manufacturer, and required new connectors to be designed as the existing ones became commonplace. "Wait," you may ask--"I can go to HyperLink Technologies or other companies and buy antennas with the right connectors and attach them to my Wi-Fi gateway. If it's illegal, how can I buy this gear?" Simple. It's legal to sell antennas; it's illegal to use them. It's the same logic that guides the sale of bongs and switchblade kits. It's opposite to the logic that underlies the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. However, the FCC rule doesn't suddenly make all antennas legal for all systems ...

The Revolution Will Be Sketched Out on Paper (Then Televised)

Thu, 29 Jul 2004 15:33:52 GMT

Drazen Pantic used off-the-shelf, inexpensive hardware and software combined with a community Wi-Fi network to broadcast to live television: Citizen videobloggers take note. Pantic describes the system he used (drawn as a simple schematic not much more complicated than the actual installation) to perform a live, public-access television broadcast managed by him and two colleagues. The topic? How they were doing what they were doing, of course.

New S.Korean Cell Phone Lets Parents Track Kids

Wed, 28 Jul 2004 14:50:49 GMT

Parents in South Korea will now be able to track their children by using a device in a new mobile phone that has been designed for kids. SK Telecom Co. began selling Wednesday colorful cell phones with antennas that look like human ears and a built in tracker using the global positioning satellite (GPS) network

Top 10 Mistakes in the Connected Home

Sat, 17 Jul 2004 03:50:36 GMT

A look at some of the common mistakes we make when we integrate technology into our lives. As you peruse our list, we encourage you to think of any other errors people are making as they bring gadgets and devices into their homes.

CNET Editors Choice: HP iPaq Pocket PC H4350

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 03:24:24 GMT

It's longer than your average Pocket PC, but its integrated keyboard and higher-capacity battery make the H4350 a top choice for heavy Wi-Fi users

Linksys Wi-Fi router vulnerability

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 03:10:53 GMT

Cisco Systems has issued a patch for a security flaw in the Linksys WRT54G 802.11g wireless router that could give hackers access to consumers' home networks. The flaw gives hackers a free pass into the Web-based configuration page of the router when the firewall function is turned off. When the firewall is turned off on the devices, ports 80 and 443 are still open, allowing the configuration page to be easily accessed.

Wallpaper designed to protect Wi-Fi networks

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 03:02:39 GMT

British defense contractor BAE Systems has developed a stealth wallpaper designed to stop electronic eavesdropping on Wi-Fi networks. The company has produced panels designed to prevent outsiders from listening in on companies' Wi-Fi traffic but let other traffic through, including radio and mobile phone signals.

Maxtor, Linksys to unveil wireless hard drive

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 01:51:37 GMT

If hard-drive maker Maxtor and networking company Linksys have their way, your external hard drive is about to become very external.

On Tuesday, the companies announced a partnership featuring a $99 Linksys device that lets an external hard drive connect to a wireless router, allowing PCs to tap into the storage and share files without any physical link to the drive. The joint effort is geared toward small offices and homes.

The Linksys Network Storage Link connects to an external hard drive through one of two USB ports and includes a file management system, the companies said. It is designed to work with a wired or wireless network, and to work with other external drives apart from Maxtor products.

Through Sept. 30, U.S. residents who purchase a Maxtor OneTouch USB drive with the Linksys Network Storage Link can get a $20 mail-in rebate.

World's First Mobile Virus Is Not Lethal, Yet

Fri, 18 Jun 2004 18:45:44 GMT

A group of underground virus writers has showed off what is believed to be the world's first worm that can spread on advanced mobile phones, but security software companies say the virus had no malicious code attached.The worm is designed to work in smartphones running on Symbian and Series 60 software, Symantec said on its Web site. This software is used to power millions of Nokia phones, such as the popular 6600 model. [How much sensitive / essential information do you keep in your cellphone? Do you have a backup copy?]

Serious flaws in bluetooth security lead to disclosure of personal data

Sun, 06 Jun 2004 22:17:34 GMT

Specifically, three [bluetooth - is a standard for a small , cheap radio chip to be plugged into computers, printers, mobile phones, etc. A Bluetooth chip is designed to replace cables by taking the information normally carried by the cable, and transmitting it at a special frequency to a receiver Bluetooth chip] vulnerabilities have been found:

Firstly, confidential data can be obtained, anonymously, and without the owner's knowledge or consent, from some bluetooth enabled mobile phones. This data includes, at least, the entire phonebook and calendar, and the phone's IMEI.

Secondly, it has been found that the complete memory contents of some mobile phones can be accessed by a previously trusted ("paired") device that has since been removed from the trusted list. In essence, the entire device can be "backed up" to an attacker's own system.

Thirdly, access can be gained to the AT command set of the device, giving full access to the higher level commands and channels, such as data, voice and messaging.

Africans rush for mobile phones

Sun, 23 May 2004 20:35:32 GMT

Africa is the world's fastest-growing mobile phone market, a new report says. The International Telecommunication Union says more Africans have begun using phones since 2000 than in the whole of the previous century. There are now more people using mobile phones across the continent than traditional, fixed lines.

Video Phone technology worries parents

Sun, 23 May 2004 20:32:44 GMT

Nearly three-quarters of parents are worried that video mobile phones will harm their children, a survey shows.

Skype announces mobile Internet phone calls

Sun, 23 May 2004 02:18:12 GMT

Internet phone company Skype Technologies said on [April 6] it has developed a version of its free calling software for handheld computers, a move that could undercut existing mobile-phone carriers.

Pocket PC owners with high-speed Internet access will be able to talk to other Skype users anywhere in the world for free ... Users need a handheld computer running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Mobile 2003 operating system with "Wi-Fi" Internet connectivity, and must be within range of a Wi-Fi hub. Users will be able to talk to others on the Skype network for free, but they will not have the ability to dial traditional phone numbers.