Wi-Fi networks are easily attacked in 60 seconds

After defeating the wireless Internet protection system, an intruder can save passwords, steal sensitive information or download pornographic content.

Many families still prefer the WEP (Wireless Equivalent Protection) encryption mechanism to prevent others from using their Wi-Fi steals, although security experts have recommended vulnerabilities in this system.

Previously, hackers needed at least 20 minutes to get into the wireless network protected by WEP. However, three cryptographic researchers from the Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany) have announced the Aircrack-ptw program to help exploit the system much faster.

" It is not exaggerating to say that hackers only take 60 seconds and at most 5 minutes to hack. WEP is out of date and people should not trust that technology anymore, " warned Erik Tews.

According to Tews, users should switch to WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), introduced four years ago, instead of WEP. " We have tested WPA very carefully and have not found any significant weaknesses ," Tews said.

Struan Robertson, a technology lawyer with Pinsent Masons (UK), also said security for home networking is a must. " Although users are not responsible for hacker offenses, their personal computers may still be revoked and reviewed by police ," Masons said.