Wireless Networking and Security

Although Wireless Networking has great benefits,recommendation would be to use the 128 Bit key
which are undoubtedly, there are also someon any wireless network. In a professional
drawbacks, which should be considered.Business environment as well as at your private
Drawbacks such as Electromagnetic interferences,residence. Hot spots are very popular and can be
a slower transfer speed then wired Networks andfound in Airports, Train stations, Hotels,
diverse security concerns. This paper will focus onCoffeehouses, Libraries and many other public
Wireless Networks and the security concern thatplaces. Some are freely available and others
we have or should have when implementing suchrequire a membership or a fee to access and
technology.utilize. These hotspots provide internet access on
As a general note there are two types ofvery flexible terms and they have become widely
wireless computer networks.available in the United States. When using hotspots
1) Ad hoc network is established when wirelessspecifically the freely available one's I do
communication exist directly from computer torecommend to research if they provide any
computer.means of Data encryption to safeguard your data
2) Infrastructure Networks are distinguished byand privacy.
the use of an access point. Every communicationAlthough WEP encryption provides some degree
in a Infrastructure Network goes over a accessof security and privacy it is not flawless
point.And can be broken with certain tools within only a
The good news is Wireless Access Points have afew hours. These tools are easy to use and
security feature which is called WEP.available to download on the World Wide Web.
It uses an encryption algorithm named RC4. ThisTherefore WEP by itself cannot be considered a
is a symmetric stream cipher and it canuse twosecure solution for your wireless network, it is
types of encryption keys. 64 Bit and 128 Bit. Thewell suited for most users At there residence
WEP encryption serves two main purposesthat want some degree of security and privacy
authentication and data encryption. With out databut really don't have any information on their
encryption everything transmitted from acomputers or network which must be
computer and everything received would besafeguarded. For professional Business
transmitted in clear text. This means that whileenvironments and anyone else who does not fit
data is traveling from one point to the next overinto the first category WEP by itself is not
a radio wave frequency, it can easily besufficient to protect your data. There are several
intercepted and viewed by an unknown thirdother steps, which should be performed in order
party. Without WEP there is also no authenticationto safeguard your data. SSID Broadcast should be
for who logs on to the wireless computer ordisabled, Static ip addresses should be assigned
Network, allowing anyone in near distance whoand DHCP disabled. These additional settings will
can receive the wireless signal to utilize thehelp camouflage your wireless network from
wireless network for his/her own purpose.prying eyes of neighbors, Business competitors,
Most vendors who provide wireless equipmentand malicious Intruders.
don't set the wireless devices to use WEP byWe hope this white paper has helped some of
default. If no one specifically takes his/her time toyou who have wireless networks to better
set up the WEP security features they are notunderstand some of the steps involved in
activated, and at this point the wireless networkproperly securing your network and systems.
has no security at all. Leaving your Home orFor any further questions, ideas and concerns
Business Network open for the rest of the world.which you may have
To make my point it is really a necessity to setPlease feel free to contact me.
up WEP and to set it up correctly. My