The rapid growth of wireless networks in homes and offices across the country shows that businesses and consumers are willing to unplug from their hard-wired networks in order to roam free. And evidence from computer security professionals indicates that most of those have not taken the steps necessary to protect their networks from intrusion by… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Security
Seven Security Problems Of 802.11 Wireless
Before you uncrate one piece of network equipment for a mass deployment, you need to have the right design in place. Good network design is often the difference between a successful rollout and a torrent of user complaints. Many organizations are now considering deployment of wireless LANs and are working on the basic network designs… Continue Reading
Wireless LAN Security: A Short History
If you’re holding back on an 802.11 deployment because of security concerns, you’re not alone. Research indicates that the perceived insecurity of wireless networks is a major inhibitor to further market growth. Via [oreillynet.com]… Continue Reading
Peddling Snake Oil As Security
Wireless security vendors are trying to create a market where none exists. As always, the key to better wireless security is better practice, not new products. Via [securityfocus.com]… Continue Reading
Tales Of A White Hat War Driver
If your company doesn’t already have a wireless network, chances are it’s probably testing the waters for future development. But how secure is this technology? What kinds of problems will IT staff encounter? One type of problem gaining national attention is called “war driving,” in which a hacker can use a laptop computer to drive… Continue Reading
A Hacker’s Dreamland: Wireless Networks
Should you be concerned about wireless security? Yes, at least according to Chris O’Ferrell, chief technology officer of wireless technology company Netsec. Via [zdnet.com.com]… Continue Reading
Drive-by Hackers Hunt Free, Easy Web Access
Russell Handorf was in a no-parking zone, but so what? His laptop computer, propped against the steering wheel, had his full attention. Via [philly.com]… Continue Reading
WLANs, The Army way
In late 2001, researchers revealed how to break the backbone of IEEE 802.11 security based on a so-called static WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key. Although corporate execs waffled on what to do while reassuring one another that the risk was small, the U.S. Army handled things its own way. Via [infoworld.com]… Continue Reading
Buggy WLAN Maintenance Tools Released
Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Inc. (BVS) today announced the release of two devices, called Scorpion and Beetle, for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting 802.11b WLANs. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]… Continue Reading
Planet3 Wireless Eearns WLANA Endorsement For CWNA Certification
Planet3 Wireless, Inc., creator of the Certified Wireless Network Professional training and certification program, announced today that the Wireless LAN Association (WLANA), the educational trade association for the wireless local area networking industry, has officially endorsed the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNAâ„¢) certification.… Continue Reading
Security Chip Foils Mobile Device Thieves
Unlike victims of car theft, mobile phone users do not have the equivalent of a LoJack system to track their stolen device. But a new programmable chip could provide the next best thing — a way to make that phone totally useless to the thief. Via [wireless.newsfactor.com]… Continue Reading
802.1X Security Embraces Legacy Windows OS
Meetinghouse Data Communications Thursday announced the immediate commercial availability of its 802.1X authentication software for MS Win 98/98SE/ME operating systems. The 802.1X standard is an IEEE -ratified authentication protocol designed to be used in conjunction with wireless and wired LANs to authenticate users at log-in and enables dynamic key encryption of network traffic during network… Continue Reading
Researchers Crack New Wireless Security Spec
A University Of Maryland professor and his graduate student have apparently uncovered serious weaknesses in the next-generation Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) security protocol known as 802.1x. Via [infoworld.com]… Continue Reading
The Week In Review: Insecure About Security
A few weeks ago a USA Today reporter called me and asked me what I had heard about companies pulling 80211b installations due to security concerns. I had not heard of any such instances and told her so. She was slightly inaccurate about what was going on: turns out that high-security places like the Lawrence… Continue Reading
Retailers Defend Low Level Of Security On Wireless LANs
More high-profile retail chains are being fingered for not fully securing wireless LANs installed in their stores. But several retailers said they’re not exposing any sensitive data, and some security analysts agreed that the risks don’t appear to be great. Via [computerworld.com]… Continue Reading