Experts show `systemic' vulnerability in wireless computers

Some computers with wireless Internet capabilities are vulnerable to attacks that could expose passwords, bank account details and other sensitive information even if the machines aren't actually online, researchers said here Wednesday.

The researchers demonstrated the vulnerability at a computer-security conference, showing how to take complete control of a MacBook from Apple Computer Inc. But the two researchers, David Maynor, 28, and Jon Ellch, a 24-year-old who prefers to go by his hacker handle Johnny Cache, said the technique will work on an array of machines, including those that run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows and the free Linux operating system.

"The problem itself isn't really an Apple problem," said Maynor, a researcher at SecureWorks Inc., a network-monitoring company. "This is a systemic problem across the industry."

According to the Maynor and Ellch, a MacBook was used for the demo because demonstrating a hack on Mac OSX, which boasts a higher level of security than Windows, would create a greater impact than another type of computer.
If that was indeed the intention, then it worked. The two professional hacking researchers were reportedly mobbed by members of their audience after the presentation and are now the talk of the show.

Meanwhile, the growing number of users of wireless networks at home and in the office can only look on with a sense of disquiet and trepidation, knowing that the chances are that a good hacker can get of their computers if their device driver is faulty.