Pringles: the latest hacker tool

Security experts have demonstrated that even an empty Pringles tin can be used to help hackers break into insecure wireless networks.

Wireless hacking and 'war driving' has been a focus point in the security community for well over a year now, with innumerable experts warning that a wireless network opens a huge back door into systems.

It has been a well documented fact that armed with a wireless-equipped laptop and antenna, hackers have no shortage of victims around London.

But security firm I-sec recently demonstrated that using an empty Pringles tube as an antenna could boost the hacker's chance of picking up a wireless signal by as much as 15 per cent.

Apparently the hollow tube shape combined with a tinfoil lining makes the empty crisps tin ideal for concentrating a signal.

During a half-hour drive around the centre of London, almost 60 wireless networks were picked up. Around 40 of these had no security - a hacker would be able to use the company's bandwidth any way he liked, as well as browse the internal network.

Although wireless protocols have some inherent security vulnerabilities anyway, many companies are not even applying trivial security measures.

Breaches could be avoided by changing default user names and passwords on wireless access points, and moving the access points away from the outside walls of buildings.

Many wireless products come with built-in encryption capabilities, but these are often switched off by default and left that way after installation.

According to I-sec, the face of the Pringle man might not be the only household item in a hacker's arsenal. Objects from coffee tins to old satellite dishes have also been used to pick up wireless signals.