A recent article in Computerworld warns that if criminals targeted unsecured wireless routers, they could create an attack that could play out across thousands of Wi-Fi networks in urban areas. Normally, such a threat would be nothing to sneeze at, but given the miniscule adoption of wireless technology in our industry, I would hold off on massive doses of vitamin C.
The article points out that most routers are insecurely installed, leaving them wide open to technology that can quickly guess administrative passwords to gain entry to networks. Once that happens, the infected routers can be used to attack and infect other nearby wireless routers. In an ubran setting, this could mean the takeover of some 20,000 routers in New York, for example.
Lucky for us in this industry that most of us still think that wireless refers to the radio set that sat in grandma's living room. All kidding aside, though, is this is just another example of the industry actually benefitting by its technological backwardness? Actually, I don't think so.
The truth is that while wireless technology enables business to move at starship speed, in our industry, going forward at the rate of a well-maintained Toyota is usually just fine. Besides, our industry is still rife with baby boomers who haven't been able to read small print on an LED since they turned 40. Put it all together, and it gives you a languid market for wireless devices in the insurance industry.
What's your take? Does the industry need to make the technological move to the 21st century, or are we doing what works for us and being naturally cautious about pushing the envelope? Post your opinions here!