America Demonstrates a Shocking Lack of Attention to Computer Security, Says Red-M

Last Updated: August 4, 2011

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 8 -- Corporate CEOs and federal leaders are
not taking the security risks of unplanned wireless computer networks
seriously enough. At the Wireless Connectivity Conference (Wicon) in Santa
Clara on November 10, Karl W Feilder, CEO and President of leading wireless
security company Red-M, will publicly demonstrate how easy it is to intercept
someone's e-mail using inexpensive tools that are widely available. Feilder
will show that unless specific security measures are taken, an intruder can
enter a network -- and even manipulate private e-mail -- completely
undetected.
"In this wireless age, sensitive data from within every organization is
routinely broadcast over the airwaves. Unless you're specifically monitoring
for wireless intruders 24 x 7, you won't see them," Feilder said. At Wicon he
will demonstrate security breaches that result in financial loss, fraud, theft
of proprietary information, costly network downtime and a host of similar
problems.
Feilder says too many organizations are deliberately burying their heads
in the sand about this issue. "It's not going to go away, it is simply going
to get worse. Serious computer crime is going on all the time. The reason you
never read about it is that few organizations report it because they want to
avoid publicity that could affect their stock position and competitive
standing."
Many people mistakenly believe that setting a 'no wireless' policy will
protect them but Gartner has recently shown that increasing numbers of
employees are installing their own wireless devices which cost as little as
$30 and go unnoticed by their IT departments. Sitting in your car park up to
300 meters away from your building with a laptop and an inexpensive piece of
software, an outsider can easily see the information being freely broadcast,
can receive network traffic, and could wreak havoc by exposing confidential
and sensitive company information and manipulating data.
Citing the 2004 computer crime and security survey conducted by the
Computer Security Institute and the FBI, Feilder drew attention to the fact
that while 8% of the almost 500 companies surveyed spent more than 10% of
their IT budgets on security, a higher percentage of companies -- 14%
-- didn't even know how much of their budgets went on security. "The survey
highlights a shocking lack of attention to this vital issue and it is one that
will cost the US dearly if it is not dealt with soon. Given America's
prevailing vulnerability to terrorism, one would expect a more responsible
attitude toward closing this gaping hole," he said.
Feilder will present at Wireless Connectivity Americas, Santa Clara
Convention Centre, at 14.15 on Wednesday November 10 (Track A -- Wireless
Security).