Tips for Securing Wireless Networks

Privacy: In a wireless network all the devices are able to hear data traffic within their ranges which can be a threat to the security of the link. IEEE 802.11 counters this problem by offering a privacy service option that raises the security level of the 802.11 network to that of a wired network.

Also be aware that using the free WIFI at the local coffee shop can make you a prime target for hackers. If sharing private information on a public network you should consider a VPN, virtual private network. A VPN encrypts all the data you are sending and receiving. It essentially builds a private tunnel through the open network. Regardless of your choice to use a VPN or not always be sure to log out of your account when you are

In general, wireless routers control access to their management interface by using the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) as the default authentication protocol. In other words, when you connect to your wireless router from a web browser (typically http://192.168.1.1), and then submit your login credentials, the HTTP protocol is used to transmit your login credentials to the router. Because HTTP does not provide encryption, your login credentials are sent to the router over the air in clear-text. In this case, an attacker eavesdropping on your WLAN would be able to capture this information and use it to access the router as an administrator. Once your router is compromised an attacker can then use it to stage attacks such as man-in-the-middle (MITM), modify unencrypted data, or even send users to evil twin websites.

Host level security deals with the access control on the wireless devices such as access points. Some recommendations are:

To improve security, the Wi-Fi uses various built-in WEP encryption technologies to prevent attacks from

Outline a wireless network and technology that you use regularly. The WLANs which are derived from the IEEE 802.11 standards, and marketed under the Wi-Fi trademark name. The WLANs security is neither forthright/candid nor simple, and it is continuously varying. Even though, as WLAN increase client output, they also expose the networks to a new group of potential hackers. With the present inherent security weakness of the 802.11 standard, all companies, small, medium or large, need to find out their security conditions derived from the applications using the WLAN. The standards also provide requirements for high-speed networks that support most modern-day applications. What sorts of security issues do

Users that have a wireless LAN should add security to ensure only intended users have access. Some safeguards include use of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, IPsec, WPA (WiFi Protected Access), with a firewall or DMZ. A DMZ (demilitarized zone) is a physical or logical sub-network that separates the LAN from other entrusted networks

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, the follow on security method to WPA for wireless networks that provides stronger data protection and network access control. It provides enterprise and consumer Wi-Fi users with a high level of assurance that only authorized users can access their wireless networks. Based on the IEEE 802.11i standard, WPA2 provides government grade security by implementing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) FIPS 140-2 compliant AES encryption algorithm and 802.1x-based authentication.

The vulnerabilities of wireless networking may involve the attack of web browsers, on-line banking, DNS servers, and routers exchanging routing table updates, purchases, transactions or stolen personal data. The lack of security with a wireless system may result in denial of service, hijacking, fake impersonation, or eavesdropping for interception of messages through cyber-crimes. Each communicating user should select the language of cryptography, agree and share the symmetric key. The best security practices includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secured and updated applications, transport, configured properly working network, and link layers.

Enhancing the security of routers is important to avoid unauthorized users change configuration settings and avoid unauthorized information and routing from entering. For instance, clear text authentication takes advantage of more flexible key management capabilities.

The 802.11 provides the wireless LAN services for the clients, the access points, and the network connecting them. The association service is used by mobile stations to connect themselves to APs. Reassociation lets a station change its preferred AP. Either the station or the AP may also disassociate, breaking their relationship. Stations must authenticate to use a security scheme before they can send frames via the AP. With WPA2, the AP can talk to an authentication server that has a username and password database to determine if the station is allowed to access the network. Before WPA, WEP is used but it is easy to compromise. The distribution service determines the route for wireless or wired network. The integration service is used when

Solution can be separation by segmenting the wireless networks from the rest of the control network. Additionally, it is strongly advisable to secure wireless access methods to include requiring authentication and enforcing strict access controls for communications leading from the wireless network into the rest of the control network.

Although there are many threat of WLAN, you still can reduce those threats by applying some technology in your network. For example, you can use a Core Security Standard. It provides protection, which are confidentiality, authentication and message integrity, between the wireless access point and the wireless host. Furthermore, you also can use Wired equivalent privacy (WEP) security. In WEP, everyone shares the same access point, which requires the same key, and WEP’s key is not automated mechanism for changing. On the other hand, Wireless Protected Access (WPA) is also an option for you. WPA is developed by using the concept of Core security standard, so it could be used on older wireless access points and it is stronger than WEP. Finally, 802.11i is another solution for your concerns about the network security. 802.11i is considered as WAP2, and it uses extremely strong AES-CCMP encryption, which has 129-bits keys and a key management method for automatically changing keys. That’s all about the

A wireless computer can "roam" from one access point to another, with the software and hardware maintaining a steady network connection by monitoring the signal strength from in-range access points and locking on to the one with the best quality. Usually this is completely transparent to the user; they are not aware that a different access point is being used from area to area. Some access point configurations require security authentication when swapping access points, usually in the form of a password dialog box.

Wi-Fi usage has been on the upswing recently, thanks to the rise of smartphones, especially the iPhone. Whether it is airports or cafes, people are increasingly logging onto Wi-Fi networks.The case talks about free Wi-Fi in various areas of businesses like restaurants, airports etc to attract crowd and to increase their business. It talks about transition from Wi-Fi – for money to Wi-Fi as a lure. The various strategies implemented by these businesses to give away free public Wi-Fi. Various issues like pricing, security issues etc are discussed in detail in the analysis below. The case also talks about newer trends