Chinese experts were skeptical about the security of a wireless local area network and cracked it with ease during a symposium held in Beijing Monday.

The researchers used tools downloaded from the Internet and were able to secure protection passwords in five minutes. It was easy for them to steal users' secret information and get access to users' e-mails. They could delete private documents and e-mails, and even spread viruses through the network.

"Most of the tools can be downloaded easily from the Internet which means that the current wireless local area networks are insecure," said Wen Zhonghui, director of information security at the national technology research center.

Experts said widely-used security technology has serious defects and that these defects still exist in the new 802.11i standard.

Wireless local area networks are used in various industries and are expected to be major Internet connection tools in the future.

Ma Benteng, senior engineer with China Mobile, said operators are worried that security loopholes may affect their credibility and efficiency.

Ren Jing from the China Consumers' Association said manufacturers should warn consumers of potential risks and respect their right to know.

Wireless products currently imported from abroad do not satisfy security requirements, said Wang Yumin, professor with Xi'an Electronic Science and Technology University.

China should develop its own products and standards in order to guarantee network and information security, said Wang.

Source: Xinhua