Cisco admits to security flaws in Wi-Fi kits

“CISCO HAS HAD to release a security advisory and tell IT admins to update their wireless LAN hardware after finding a plethora of vulnerabilities in its enterprise Wi-Fi kit.

Cisco noted there was a risk hackers could exploit certain vulnerabilities and security flaws in its Wireless LAN Controllers, Catalyst 6500 Wireless Services Modules (WiSMs), and Catalyst 3750 Integrated Wireless LAN Controllers.

The firm also admitted all its Wireless LAN Controllers using version 4.2 of its software had problems caused by a couple of denial of service (DOS) flaws with a third DOS flaw hitting versions 4.1 of the software.
Amongst the DOS flaws – which affect Catalyst 6500/7600 Series Wireless Services Module and Catalyst 3750 Series Integrated Wireless LAN Controllers – is a Web authentication bug which can make devices reload for seemingly no reason.

Another bug can cause freezing when malformed data packets are received. Cisco 2800 and 3800 series Integrated Services Routers are apparently not affected.

To top it all, the router maker has also fessed up to its Version 4.2.173.0 Wireless LAN controller software having a privilege escalation vulnerability which “may allow an authenticated user to obtain full administrative rights on the affected system.”

Cisco reckons it found the flaws from trusty old customer support cases as well as its own internal probing, and the firm says it has no reason to believe hackers had managed to exploit the vulnerabilities yet.”

Now doesn’t this just suck for companies that are using Cisco? Wi-Fi users worry most about hackers and that is what Cisco failed to secure, HACKERS! Back to the drawing board Cisco

To go directly to the source, click here.

WiFi Jedi Going Public

Xirrus employee, Douglas Haider, is now going public with his blog. I wanted to help promote it because I do frequent his writings and consider them to be insightful. If you know nothing about Wi-Fi and want to learn more, I suggest checking his blog.

http://wifijedi.wordpress.com/

Internationally Recognized Montessori/IB School and teaching institute Adopt Xirrus 802.11n

Toronto Montessori Schools (TMS) and Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI) Install Xirrus® 802.11abg+n Wi-Fi Arrays™ to Improve Student and Teacher Learning

 

Xirrus, Inc., the Wi-Fi “Power-Play” that delivers the most wireless coverage, bandwidth, and throughput in the industry announced today that the internationally recognized Toronto Montessori Schools (TMS) and Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI), Canada’s first and largest Montessori, has selected to install Xirrus 802.11abg+n Wi-Fi Arrays to deliver high speed internet access for student and teacher online learning.

Internationally recognized and established in 1961, Toronto Montessori Schools (TMS) , is a co-ed, independent university preparatory School. Along with educating over 750 students ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, TMS also houses Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI), which is one of North America’s leading centres for the training of Montessori teachers and ongoing research into childhood development.

“It is critical that we utilize world-class technology to further the learning and development of our teachers and students,” said Ben Medina, Director of Information Technology for TMS and TMI. “We view Wi-Fi as a means of furthering the collaboration and learning process—by giving Internet access to online educational programs with mobile labs today and a full blown 1:1 student computer program down the road—allowing teachers and students to work and learn more efficiently. However, most of the Wi-Fi architectures I’ve investigated require large amounts of individual access points being tied to a remote controller. Sure, this allows for central management, but at the cost of wiring and security—there had to be a better solution.”

“I was overwhelmed with the Xirrus presentation and product solution—their method of integrating many access points and the controller into a single device, allows me to cut back on the wiring, saving the School and Institute both time and cost, and enhancing internet access security,” added Ben. “As we build out our 1:1 computer initiative, I feel confident we have the Wi-Fi product to make that transition successful.”

“Schools around the world are quickly realizing and adopting Wi-Fi as the primary network connection for users—Toronto Montessori Schools is a great example of that,” said Steve Armes, Regional Manager at Xirrus. “By adopting Xirrus’ 802.11n architecture, Toronto Montessori Schools has delivered a powerful, robust, and secure wireless network that will assist in furthering the education of its students and teachers for years to come.”

For more about this deployment, please click here.

For more about Xirrus, please go to http://www.xirrus.com

Mii Criminal?

Looks familiar? Yes that is a Mii character that you can build on your Nintendo Wii. What is this about? Well local authorities in Japan are using this Mii character to try and catch a man suspected of a hit and run. Will this really work? The world may never know…

Blackberry Ice Sculpture

This is insane! I’ve seen ice sculptures before, but the detail with the keypad and everything else, is AMAZING! Too bad that it will melt or break soon.

Shopping Cart Chair

The ideas that people come up with baffles me. This does look unique, I give it that. However, how comfortable can it really get? As a kid, I was always uncomfortable when my mom would make me sit in the cart. Also, I can probably make this by going to VONS and spray painting and cutting a shopping cart. Creative though!

Anti-Theft Sandwich Bag

Tired of getting your lunch stolen at the break room fridge or by the bully at school? All you need is a plastic bag and some plastic paint and you got you anti-theft bag. Who would want to eat or steal a sandwich that looks like this?

Annoyingly High ATM

Now I can go on and on about this picture, but why? I dont understand the genious that put the ATM so high and the guy that is actually trying to access that ATM with the one leg on the wall trick.