Safe & Simple: Easy Steps to Help Ensure Security
By Nancy Argyle

Wireless electronics which promise protection may also be inviting prying eyes and ears, says an e-security expert.

Devices such as wireless home-security cameras, Web cams and baby monitors may be giving consumers a false sense of security, says Tom Keenan, dean of the faculty of continuing education for the University of Calgary.

"The bad side is that when you're wireless, you're broadcasting," he explains.

"As long as it works, you never think about it ... but, in reality, a lot of people are voluntarily giving up their privacy."

Here's what Keenan says are the top five security risks for the wireless consumer:

1.  Cordless phone conversations can be easily intercepted. In some cases, a dial tone can be achieved and long distance calls made -- all by someone sitting outside of your residence or business.

How to neutralize: Use land line phones only. Review your telephone bill carefully.

2.  Wireless home security cameras send a video signal which can be intercepted by others at remote locations or by a hacker in a nearby vehicle. Your house and all its contents and occupants could be on public display, without your knowledge.

How to neutralize: Spend the extra dollars and insist on a completely wired security system.

3.  Baby monitors provide a valuable link between parents and child, but they also broadcast information which can be intercepted by an astute neighbor.

How to neutralize: Remove the baby monitor as soon as child is old enough. Don't discuss personal or sensitive information when the monitor is in use.

4.  Web cams are a wonderful way to stay in touch with other people and they're also a great tool to ensure children are not communicating with undesirable older adults. Unfortunately, Web cams can be turned on by hackers from a remote location, allowing them to see whatever is in the device's view.

How to neutralize: Buy a Web cam that comes with a "shutter" that closes off the lens or physically turn the camera toward a blank wall when not in use.

5.  Wireless headphones and audio equipment are not immune from broadcasting. While many people wouldn't care if someone knew what radio station they listened to, others might be upset if a personal or sensitive CD or tape was intercepted.

How to neutralize: Sensitive audio material should be listened to without the use of wireless headphones. Do it the old-fashioned way to ensure your privacy.

In addition to following Keenan's security tips, consumers may also want to consider such new software solutions as Network Associates' Sniffer (www.sniffer.com), which alerts users to any unauthorized wireless intruders.

But Keenan says better security must eventually be built into the wireless devices themselves. "As wireless becomes pervasive, (makers) will have to react by giving us warnings. But for now, there is always a gap where the big guys will have to catch up or patch up," he says.

"At some point, we are also going to need policies and laws for this."

Of course, some in the industry could argue that consumers with nothing to hide don't need security.

"I suppose you could say: 'Don't do things that make others want to spy on you,' but the truth is most of this is done by your neighbors or someone you know," says Keenan.

Copyright 2002 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest Global Communications Corp. All Rights Reserved Calgary Herald
(Alberta, Canada) May 13, 2002 Monday Final Edition, SOURCE: Innovation in Technology BYLINE: Nancy Argyle