Wireless network security broken

A security researcher says he has figured out a quick and inexpensive way to break a commonly used form of password protection for wireless networks using powerful computers that anybody can lease from Amazon.com over the Web, reveals The Gazette.

Thomas Roth, a computer security consultant based in Cologne, Germany, says he can hack into protected networks using specialised software that he has written that runs on Amazon's cloud-based computers. It tests 400 000 potential passwords per second using Amazon's high-speed computers.

That leaves businesses as well as home networks prone to attack if they use relatively simple passwords to secure their networks.

D-Link has unveiled several new home networking technologies targeted at digitally oriented families and consumers, reports PC Mag.

These products include HD media routers, storage solutions, wireless cameras and powerline adapters.

D-Link's new breed of DLNA-certified media routers prioritise HD traffic for streaming services, such as YouTube and Netflix. They all work with set-top boxes like Tivo, Slingbox and D-Link's Boxee Box.

Verizon Wireless will expand its long-term evolution (LTE) network to more than 175 cities by the end of this year, the company revealed at the International Consumer Electronics Show that has also seen aggressive network plans by AT&T and T-Mobile USA, states PC World.

The LTE network went live for commercial service last month and is now in 38 markets, reaching about one-third of the US population, chief technology officer Tony Melone told an audience at the trade show.

After adding the roughly 140 markets this year, Verizon will double its reach within 18 months of going live, reaching 200 million people, and will cover its entire national footprint with the new technology within 36 months, Melone said.