Hacking Starbucks

Computerworld reports that a group of clever independent security analysts from the Shmoo Group has created a program that makes it easy for a hacker to slurp up your log-in information before you’ve even quaffed the foam on your cappuccino. The hacker can then use the information to obtain free wireless Internet access and make you foot the bill.

The new tool, called Airsnarf, broadcasts a powerful signal that disconnects any nearby hot spot users from the Internet. Then it broadcasts a sign-in page that looks like the log-in site of the legitimate Wi-Fi provider. When users, figuring they were knocked off the Internet momentarily, log in again, their user name and password go to the hackers, not the ISP.