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Encryption does not guarantee security on wireless networks

An online security expert has highlighted the danger posed by wireless networks, especially where financial issues are concerned, by saying encryption does not guarantee security.

Responding to questions in the Seattle Times, Patrick Marshall said: "As long as you're connected, even though the encrypted transmission might be secure, a hacker can still access other things on your computer.

"And before you establish that encrypted link with your financial institution you generally have to send a password. Password transmission is one of the things for which hackers scan when they monitor traffic on public Wi-Fi networks."

His views come as another internet security expert claimed that email communication is as secure as a postcard because only about five per cent of users protect their e-mail from third parties, reports monstersandcritics.com.

According to Christopher Wolf of Bochum's Ruhr University, the trend is down to habit because "if e-mail had been encrypted from the start, this would have never been an issue".

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