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    Mackbook Wi-Fi attack?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by dcook101, Aug 11, 2006.

  1. dcook101

    dcook101 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry if this is a repost but I did a search and found nothing. I'm debating whether or not to get the macbook now or wait for merom but this just adds to my confusion. Watch this video I found on youtube and tell me what you think.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VY8xYK4z-Q

    For those who are too lazy to watch it or can't for some reason, it shows a guy who basically hacks into a macbook from a dell quite easily. So my question is: Should I be worried about these types of things that "could" happen to my macbook if I were to have one?
     
    dcook101, Aug 11, 2006
    #1
  2. nferra2

    nferra2 Notebook Geek

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    From what I understand, currently, It can only be done in close range if you are on the same wireless network. I don't think it is a problem now, unless you are in a City that provides free wi-fi everywhere, and you computer is on wi-fi all the time, even when not in use. It was more of a demonstration to alert hardware manufactures to make their drivers more secure for the future.
     
    nferra2, Aug 12, 2006
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  3. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    If you are going to worry, you have to worry about ALL WiFi cards. This is not specific to a MacBook, it affects many wireless card manufacturers. It was a proof of concept, nothing that is in the wild yet. I believe it will be patched rather quickly for everyone, not just Macs.
     
    cashmonee, Aug 12, 2006
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  4. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yeah, frankly, of all the kinds of attacks, etc. that you could end up with on a Mac or PC, this WiFi thing is one of the ones I would not worry too much about.
     
    zadillo, Aug 12, 2006
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  5. GeorgineVJ

    GeorgineVJ Notebook Consultant

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    wasn't this just addressed in this month's MacWorld?
     
    GeorgineVJ, Aug 12, 2006
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  6. Wooky

    Wooky Notebook Evangelist

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    Well, this is my take on the subject. They haven't actually disclosed the vulnerabilty. They have performed a video recorded attack. They have chosen to attack a Mac because Mac users are "smug", but they chose to use an external wifi because Apple pressured them to. The vulnerabilities are supposed to affect a plethora of chipsets and OSs, Linux and OS X and Windows.

    This all looks very suspicious to me. I am not saying it is a hoax, but we haven't seen any real proof. I don't condone undisclosured vulnerabilities. If there is such a great hole in wifi drivers, real crackers will get to it pretty soon, now that they now there is one.
     
    Wooky, Aug 12, 2006
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  7. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

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    I agree the chances of it happining to you are very slim
     
    gridtalker, Aug 14, 2006
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