Security is a JiWire act

San Francisco-based JiWire on Tuesday introduced a $5-a-month service to enhance the security of Internet connections at any of the thousands of Wi-Fi hot spots identified in its Global Hotspot Directory.

JiWire developed the service, called SpotLock, in response to concerns about the lack of wireless-connection security at the 60,000 locations in listed JiWire's directory, the company's chief executive said.

The new offering underscores a lingering concern for users of Wi-Fi, the technology that allows computer users to wirelessly connect over short distances to other computers and the Internet.

JiWire Chief Executive Kevin McKenzie argues that the problem is due to a lack of manpower, not industry consensus on Wi-Fi standards or product development. Few hot-spot operators have extensive knowledge of computer networking, nor do they have a network administrator on hand to guard users against "phishing" e-mail solicitations and "evil twin" attacks in which hackers host fake log-in Web sites designed to spread viruses or lure Wi-Fi users into divulging sensitive personal information.

"We index about 63,000 hot spots, and I can tell you truthfully that no one uses security," McKenzie added during an interview on Tuesday. "A lot of people told us that they were concerned their data was being hijacked."

Plunging equipment prices and the emergence of commercial Wi-Fi providers such as Boingo Wireless pushed Wi-Fi technology--security problems and all--into the mainstream several years ago. Wi-Fi networks are now in millions of homes, offices, cafes, hotels, conference centers and transportation hubs. Cities bathe business districts with free Internet access to lure more visitors.

As they continue to proliferate, Wi-Fi networks are becoming an even juicier target for phishers and evil-twin perpetrators. Security concerns persist despite several industry-accepted security standards and a plethora of new products, such as a transparent film, called SpyGuard, that can be put on windows to block Wi-Fi transmissions--a product recently endorsed by the British government.

CNET Networks, the publisher of News.com, is an investor in JiWire.

CNET News.com's Richard Shim contributed to this report.

[hermana00]

Huston, we have a problem...

JiWire appears to be experiencing growing pains. During peak hours, connectivity is unreliable. It feels as if JiWire is experiencing a bandwidth shortage: lack of response to their Message Board is definitely a sign of a staff shortage.

Customer service appears to not exist. Email contact with Customer Service results in an automated response acknowledging receipt of the request for assistance and a promise to respond and then absolutely no response to the original request or to any follow up queries regarding the request.

Negative feedbacks throughout their Message Boards have been met with absolutely no response by JiWire. Nobody appears to be minding the store!

When the Spotlock security can connect, it's great but it is NOT reliable. I've been willing to invest in a month-to-month subscription but am glad to have not bought a year's subscription for service from a company that doesn?t seem well managed and which seems headed South.

As an aside, CNet has an equity position in JiWire. I am hoping that this message disappears because at least then I'll know somebody got the message. Is there anybody out there?? ;-)

[iswcky1234]

Still Waiting....

Customer service still has not improved. No response from customer service in over a week by email or phone. eMails are given an automated response, but never any follow-up. Calls go to an answering machine. Too bad because it is a nice service when it works. I think I just wasted the $25 yearly fee. Anyone know of a better alternative?

[hermana00]

Huston, we have a problem...

JiWire appears to be experiencing growing pains. During peak hours, connectivity is unreliable. It feels as if JiWire is experiencing a bandwidth shortage: lack of response to their Message Board is definitely a sign of a staff shortage.

Customer service appears to not exist. Email contact with Customer Service results in an automated response acknowledging receipt of the request for assistance and a promise to respond and then absolutely no response to the original request or to any follow up queries regarding the request.

Negative feedbacks throughout their Message Boards have been met with absolutely no response by JiWire. Nobody appears to be minding the store!

When the Spotlock security can connect, it's great but it is NOT reliable. I've been willing to invest in a month-to-month subscription but am glad to have not bought a year's subscription for service from a company that doesn?t seem well managed and which seems headed South.

As an aside, CNet has an equity position in JiWire. I am hoping that this message disappears because at least then I'll know somebody got the message. Is there anybody out there?? ;-)

[iswcky1234]

Still Waiting....

Customer service still has not improved. No response from customer service in over a week by email or phone. eMails are given an automated response, but never any follow-up. Calls go to an answering machine. Too bad because it is a nice service when it works. I think I just wasted the $25 yearly fee. Anyone know of a better alternative?