More
functions are getting packed into our wireless devices all the time, which
makes the devices ever more useful and important to us. Of course that
also means that protecting the devices and the communications between them
and the servers with which they interact becomes more important too. I was
reminded of that by a couple of reports I read recently.
In the
Security UPDATE "In Focus" commentary "What
to Expect in 2008," January 9, 2008, Mark Edwards cites wireless
networks as being ripe for widespread attacks because of the combination
of many wireless networks being open for anyone to use and the existence
of vulnerabilities in wireless routers.
AirMagnet,
a provider of wireless network performance and security solutions, said in
a set of wireless predictions for 2008 that "Over the next year,
enterprises will understand that WEP is obsolete—better measures must be
taken to ensure effective wireless network security."
If you've
taken steps to secure your wireless network, that’s great. But if you're
still counting on Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or you think your network
might have other weaknesses, you can find help for moving to Wi-Fi
Protected Access (WPA) and for taking other wireless network security
measures in the articles listed below.
Security Pro
VIP articles:
Reaping
the Benefits of WPA and PEAP, June 2006
Follow these
detailed instructions to secure your wireless LAN with this powerful
combination of protocols.
3
Ways to Rein in Your Wireless Signals, April 2006
Foil
intruders by containing your wireless Access Point’s (AP’s) radio waves.
Map
Out Your Wireless-Security Audits, May 2005
A few
hardware and software tools let you put together a visual representation
of the wireless networks in your area.
Security
UPDATE “In Focus” commentaries:
Tweaking
Wi-Fi APs for Better Security, September 21, 2005
Third-party firmware for APs lets you manage transmission
output power and shape the pattern and direction of signal transmission.
Find out how AP firmware works in this introductory article, then click
the following firmware names to learn more about these products: DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Talisman,
and Thibor.
Windows
IT Pro articles:
Windows
Vista’s Wireless Security, December 2007
Learn about
Vista’s new features for protecting your wireless clients.
Enterprise
Wireless Routers, April 25, 2007
This Buyer’s Guide lets
you compare wireless routers and their security features.
Wireless-G:
Faster, Cheaper, More Secure, September 24, 2003
An
introduction to the 802.11g standard.
Top
10: Tips for Wireless Security, July 2003
This article
might be a little dated but still contains some good tips for protecting
your wireless LAN from 802.11b's deficiencies.