Thursday, 12 August 2004 13:10 EST

LINCOLN, NE- At least 60% of wireless “Wi-Fi” networks in Lincoln are unprotected or improperly configured. In security scans recently performed by Information Analytics, the company found that an alarming number of wireless access points and wireless routers are open to attack using readily available free software.

While conducting security audits for its customers, employees at Information Analytics noticed that many other wireless access points were unencrypted, or open, meaning security measures had not been taken to protect the network. The scans were performed using passive “listen-only” software, and no attempts were made to connect to, access or record data on the networks that were observed.

What exactly does this mean for businesses in downtown Lincoln?

“If your intention is to provide free public Internet access, then you've succeeded. If not, it means that any tech-savvy person can sit on a street corner or in a parking lot with a laptop and wireless card and gain access to your internal network, especially in downtown Lincoln.. Worse yet, improperly configured wireless access points can expose all the information on your hard drives, and your Internet connection could be used by criminals to send spam or attack other networks,” said Reid Curtis, Business Manager of Information Analytics. “Also, most DSL and Cable Internet Service Providers prohibit making those connections available for public access.”

Information Analytics is focusing on these open wireless networks as part of the company’s new network security offering. Information Analytics provides Network Security Audits to businesses of all sizes to help protect their data. “The only way to know for sure if your network is secure is to run a full security scan, and try to remotely access data on your PCs,” Curtis added. “Some older wireless routers have flaws in their encryption software that can also be exploited to gain access.”

“Network security isn’t an option; it’s a business requirement; needed by every company that wants to protect the data on which their business depends,” said Curtis.

More information on protecting networks can be found at www.networksecuritycheck.com.

Information Analytics is a Nebraska company specializing in custom software and consulting solutions for businesses. Information Analytics also provides web site design and development, hosting, and e-commerce solutions. Information Analytics is located in downtown Lincoln in the Federal Trust Building, 134 S 13th St, Suite 700 and can be reached at .