University of Liverpool scientists invent a contagious Wi-Fi virus

 

Special capabilities: The Chameleon virus has special attributes that allow it to avoid detection. Picture: ThinkStock Source: ThinkStock

 

SCIENTISTS did not think it was possible, but now a UK team has invented a digital virus that can spread through the air like a biological disease. 

In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the University of Liverpool have designed an airborne virus codenamed ‘Chameleon’, ScienceBlog reports.

The virus, which spreads almost as quickly as the common cold, piggybacks on Wi-Fi waves to spread from network to network.

“It was assumed, however, that it wasn’t possible to develop a virus that could attack WiFi networks,” computer security expert Professor Alan Marshall said. “But we demonstrated that this is possible and that it can spread quickly.

Just as a gastro bug would, the virus multiplies faster when it enters densely populated areas because there are more networks to feed off.

The report said the virus’s tendrils are particularly capable of infiltrating less well-protected networks, such as free hot spots at cafes and public places.

 news.com.au 27 Feb 2014