Hackers hit wireless encryption system

Hackers are storming wireless networks with AirSnort, a new program designed to attack one of the most established wireless standards on the market.

AirSnort allows hackers to capture data transmitted over any wireless network supposedly protected by the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) system, otherwise known as the 802.11b standard, which encrypts information as it is transmitted.

The 802.11b standard transmits in direct sequence connections over public airwaves that are also shared by television, radio and mobile phone transmissions.

When sufficient data is collected, AirSnort pieces together the system's password.

US security company, Argus, is in agreement with AirSnort developers who believe 802.11b is an insecure and easily hackable encryption mechanism.

AirSnort developers said as well as allowing users to infiltrate networks, the program is a slap in the face to those that denied previous rumours that the standard was insecure and inappropriate for corporate use.

An earlier released tool called WEPcrack is also able to hack into the wireless standard, but not as quickly as AirSnort.