How Secure Are Wireless Networks?
If you are concerned about wireless security, you're not
alone. Much has been written about the dangers of wireless networking and
the perception of wireless insecurity prevents many people from using this
technology. The short answer is that wireless security is not black and
white. There are degrees of security. The level of security you need
should match your acceptable level of risk.
Your overall goals should be determined
first. Your wireless network may be designed as a free community network.
Or you may be extending the wired network of a bank or health care institution.
These will require very different security designs. Somewhere in the
middle is a wireless network for a public "hotspot" or perhaps a typical
home or small office network.
AirBlaster conducts wireless security
audits that identifies vulnerabilities and offers available
responses.
Questions You Should Ask
 |
What other wireless devices are in your
area? |
 |
Have you changed the default SSID
settings? |
 | If so, did you use a
"traceable" SSID? |
 | Is WEP enabled? |
 |
Are you using MAC filtering? |
 |
Is your SSID set to broadcast mode? |
 | Do you use "Open System" or
"Shared Key" authentication? |
 | Is your Access Point attached to a
switch or a hub? |
 |
Is your Access Point located in a DMZ? |
 |
Are you using appropriate antennas? |
 |
Are you broadcasting into areas that
put you at risk? |
 |
Is your equipment physically secure? |
 | Do your PC's use a software firewall? |
 | Do your PC's use virus protection? |
 |
Do you conduct regular wireless audits? |
 | What user-level authentication is
available? |
 | Do you use Role Based Access Control? |
 | Do you use a VPN on the wireless
segment? |