Most significant privacy threat for a user is most
likely to be from radio emissions as those used in wireless networks. This is
probably the most common threat for a user given that an unauthorized user
could possible gain access to a network or computer and eventually compromises
its security.
Radio frequency would be the next significant
threat, but usually this is done via RFID devices that are preconfigured and
required prior knowledge of what is being accessed. However some military
applications of this technology are quite complex and difficult to hack.
Finally optical, given that is not transmitted
through the air, requires complex equipment to intercept and any loss of signal
can be detected immediately by the receiving end.
For the home office case we can consider a wireless
network as a place where some weakness can be found if not properly configured
or open.
In a public library we find the same threat for a
wireless network as we do at homes, but with increase violation probability
given the amount of traffic this kind of environment has. Any security associated
with radio frequency devices are also vulnerable and must be carefully managed
since they are exposed to the public, so the possible hackers are unknown.
Finally optical threats are very unlikely and if equipped with this technology,
then it should be physically secured and out of reach from potential intruders.
On a university department wireless network, the
likelihood of unauthorized access to certain areas can be even higher, since
you have large number of students that are learning and eventually become
experts in this field. Same happens with optical devices, students and external
hackers might try to gain access, so they must be properly configured to catch
any change in signal strength and that way detect any breach as soon as it
happens.
