A leading technology security expert has warned that wireless networks, which are popular with Bermuda companies, are vulnerable to attack from hackers.

Walter Cooke, who is chief security officer at digital certificate provider QuoVadis, said specifically Wireless 802.11 networks were widely used in Bermuda but suspect to attack from outside the network.

Mr. Cooke said the networks had proven popular because it removed the need for costly cable conduits in offices and allowed computer users to roam freely.

But Mr. Cooke underscored security concerns: "The security of wireless local area networks(WLANs) has recently become a hot topic, as inadequate protection means that 'drive-by hackers' can capture companies' sensitive data from outside the building, or even co-opt the network to launch attacks on other parties."

As evidence Mr. Cooke cited recent news reports including a report that the British Government had fallen prey when the network at Number 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's residence and offices, was 'hacked' or broken into.

Mr. Cooke said the lack of security in the systems had caused "major embarrassment to governments and corporations with open networks."

Mr. Cooke added that certain web sites even posted maps of unprotected wireless access points and how-to-guides proliferate on the Internet for the use of home made coffee can antennas and free 'AirSnort' software to attack unprotected networks.

But not all is lost with Mr. Cooke speaking on the subject at a lunchtime seminar tomorrow held by Bermuda's Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

Mr. Cooke, in his presentation, reveals that there are a host of security issues with the wireless local area networks (WLAN) including vulnerability to "hacking" and "spamming", and hackers even being able to bypass network firewalls.

Mr. Cooke will also give some guidelines as to how companies can beef up their network security while continuing to use WLAN systems including tools that can help detect rogue wireless LAN users.

Mr. Cooke has more than 30 years of computer experience and holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation. He is also a regular speaker at computer conferences such as the World Conference on Disaster Management, the Canadian Information Technology Security Symposium, and the Baltimore National Information Systems Security (NISS) conference.

For more information on the seminar, which is to be held from 12.15pm to 1.15pm at the Bank of Butterfield's head office, 65 Front Street, may contact Anthony Hownam-Meek of ISACA at 298-4664. The organisation reportedly has more than 21,000 members across more than 100 countries, and claimed to be the recognised global leader in IT governance, control, and assurance.

The Bermuda chapter was founded in 1996 to promote the education of individuals in the field of systems audit and control.

Its members come from a wide variety of business professions including accounting, auditing, information systems, and banking.