Viruses strike at Infosec networks

Infosec Europe 2006

IT security companies exhibiting at this year's Infosec show in London have been slammed for not practising what they preach, following the discovery that exhibition stands are hosting unsecured wireless networks and viruses aplenty.

Security scanners set up by McAfee detected wireless networks that are either lacking any encryption or are using default password settings.

Many of the networks running at the show are also infected with viruses which are being broadcasted to delegates.

"It's bizarre and very worrying," said Greg Day, security consultant at McAfee. "Some of these viruses are ancient; one stand is pumping out Slammer which has been fixable for ages. There's really no excuse."

Day added that a "huge variety" of viruses had been found at the show and advised visitors to make sure that their antivirus software is up to date and to turn off the wireless on laptops and PDAs unless needed.

"Don't be too hard on these people," said Bruce Schneier, security guru and founder of Counterpane Internet Security.

"The moral of the tale is that this stuff is really hard. I'll bet it's not a technology problem but human error; someone's just pushed the wrong buttons."