McAfee wi-fi scan: good idea; poor implementation

Published Tuesday, 15 February 2005 1:55AM CST by in Technology

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Yes, I know McAfee’s WiFiScan is the “first phase” of a multi-phase product launch. But it’s a poor implementation on at least two levels:

  1. It’s implemented as an ActiveX component. ActiveX components require Internet Explorer, the most notoriously insecure browser on the planet;
  2. It recognizes a WiFi network that uses MAC address verification for access as vulnerable: “WARNING! Your wireless connection is vulnerable! Your data is susceptable to theft. Also, hackers can insert viruses into your network or use your wireless network as a platform to launch virus or spam attacks.” The most reliable way to secure a consumer-grade WiFi network is with MAC address verification. The only users that have access to the network are those with MAC addresses you’ve physically entered into the access point.

Sheesh.

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