WASHINGTON-A county in New York could become the first place in the country to require Internet cafes with Wi-Fi to install security technology as a way to combat identity theft and consumer fraud.
The legislation was proposed by Andy Spano, county executive of Westchester County, N.Y. It would require businesses that offer Wi-Fi-and control access to the network with personally identifiable information-to install firewalls and file a note of compliance with the county. Internet cafes would be required to post a sign stating the status of their Wi-Fi network.
The Board of Legislators, the county legislative body, will soon hold hearings on the proposal. Lawmakers likely will consider the legislation early next year, said Scott Fernquist, special assistant to the chief information officer.
“We are not trying to ban Wi-Fi,” Fernquist told RCR Wireless News, noting this is part of a broader consumer-education campaign. “We just want to be proactive.”
T-Mobile USA Inc., a leader in offering Wi-Fi access, said it is still studying the Westchester proposal but noted it offers 802.1x security.
“T-Mobile is currently reviewing the proposed legislation. Security is an industry-wide concern and we pride ourselves on providing our customers access to the only Wi-Fi network in the U.S. that utilizes wireless protected access with 802.1x security technology. This technology provides one of the highest degrees of Wi-Fi security commercially available. T-Mobile has and will continue to dedicate itself to customer security,” said Thomas Sugrue, T-Mobile vice president of government affairs.
