Enslaving the Airwaves: The Repercussions of Insecure Wireless Networks

There is no doubt that wireless technology haslayers of security to try and deter hackers from
evolved the way we communicate. With thebreaking in. Now, some of these things discussed
popular 2.4 GHz frequency being unlicensed andwill not really add much in the way of security,
inexpensive, people all around the world havebut it is additional security nonetheless. Hackers
been able to do things that were nothing short oflove easy targets, so every layer of security you
impossible in the past. While this may be the case,add makes it more difficult for them to break in,
the same also applies to hackers; wirelessand thus acts as a deterrent. That being said, use
technologies have allowed them to not onlythe following security measures on your personal
penetrate the impenetrable, but also break intoAP:
personal networks with blazing speed (as in1.) Hide your SSID broadcast. Your SSID is simply
minutes and even seconds if the wirelessthe name of your AP. Without it, hackers will not
network's access point [AP] is completelyknow the difference between your AP and other
unsecure).ones in the vicinity.
So what can happen if someone breaks into your2.) Change the name of your SSID. This may not
network? Well for starters, it acts as a gatewaysound like much but, the name can tell a hacker a
for hackers to break into your system. On top oflot about your AP. Using the default name
that, they can install sniffers (which allow them toprobably means you are also using the default
steal such things as passwords and otherpassword, which can easily be found on the
sensitive information), adware, spyware, trojans,internet.
viruses, worms, backdoors, rootkits, and other3.) Use MAC address filtering. A MAC address is
malware as well as pursue wireless jammingsimply an address burned into each wireless card.
attacks, encryption attacks, DoS attacks, andUsing this filtering means that only the entered
other various attacks. In short, given enough time,MAC addresses can access your AP.
the sky is the limit on what a hacker could do4.) Enable Encryption. Use the WPA or WPA2 (if
when they get inside your AP.available) security mode as well as the AES
At this point, many may say to themselves "Well,algorithm. This makes it way more troublesome
I have nothing of value on my computer, so Ifor hackers to eavesdrop your communications.
don't care if they hack into it". This couldn't be5.) Use both hardware and software firewalls.
any farther from the truth. If hackersChances are there is a firewall embedded right in
compromise your computer, they'll turn it intoyour AP, so make sure it is enabled as well as
something called a "zombie" (in other words, theirfirewalls on the networked computers.
slave), which will do anything the hacker wants it6.) Keep learning about new wireless security
to. This could be anything from helping crack (orthreats. Technology keeps evolving, so it is in
decipher) passwords, to breaking into websites, toyour best interest to research computer
even breaking into other computers.protection articles and other related news sources.
Here's the kicker: if the hacker uses your7.) Invest in computer security tools. While it is
computer to break into something and getsimportant to use layered security on your AP, it is
caught, guess who faces the consequences? Well,even more important to do the same for your
it was your computer that did the attacking, so itcomputer in case the hacker breaks through.
will be your fault, no matter if you knew aboutWhen it comes to wireless networks, deterrence
the attack or not. Whether it leads to fines orcan be one of the most powerful things working
even jail time, you are stuck with a mess tryingfor you, providing you implement a Defense in
to prove that you are innocent, all while theDepth methodology like described above. With the
hacker carries on with his life and pursues morelarge amount of weak and insecure AP's that are
targets.live today, layered security will play a vital role in
Knowing about the consequences that can comewhether or not outsiders try to break into your
from insecure AP's, there are many things youwireless network. In the end, taking the time to
can do to prevent outsiders from trying to breaksecure your AP now could be the difference of
in. Ideally, you'll use a "Defense in Depth"legal repercussions or identity theft down the
methodology, which means setting up multipleroad.