FOX5 Vegas - KVVUTablet computers offer new dimension for hackers

Tablet computers offer new dimension for hackers

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Posted By Matt DeLucia, Reporter - email
Wayne Burke demonstrates tablet insecurity on a virtual network Wayne Burke demonstrates tablet insecurity on a virtual network
Hackers need only a few minutes to compromise tablet security Hackers need only a few minutes to compromise tablet security
LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -

Tablets have revolutionized the way we communicate and the way we do business, but within the simplicity and portability lies a major problem in security.

"The weakest link is the clients using these devices," said Wayne Burke, a security researcher in town this week for the TakeDownCon conference at M Resort.

Burke thinks like a true hacker. He knows how and where the criminals do their dirty work as they steal your personal information and money.

"There's no footprint or fingerprints left behind of an attack taking place," Burke said.

It often begins with a WiFi Hotspot - an open network where people can use their devices for free, like a coffee shop or an airport.

Within the network, hackers can clone a major website, like a bank, for example. Instead of logging onto the official website, the unsuspecting user is redirected to the clone, where they type in their user information without noticing anything out of the ordinary.

With a hacker's backdoor access, information can be collected and used against your will. The hackers pretend to be you, so the company actually thinks it is you.

"This type of an attack is not focused solely on the good old Apple devices," Burke noted. "It's generic across all tablets."

Burke also said that hackers can gain access to devices via email and SMS (text) messaging.

It is nearly impossible to discover that you are a victim until it is too late. The technology is still new, meaning the security measures are still catching up, according to Burke.

"We're not trying to scare people off these devices, but we're trying to give them some healthy paranoia, so they're going to think twice," he said, referring to any activity involving submission of personal information.

Burke suggests users operate a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN software is available on the internet for free download and provides an extra layer of protection, he says.

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