WiFi Frequently Asked Questions
» Why are people so interested in wireless security?
» Why would someone hack into my network?
» Who would attack my network?
» Who cares if you're wireless network is secure?
» How hard is it to attack an unprotected wireless network?
» What are static WEP keys, and why aren't they secure?
» Why aren't wired network security measures OK for wireless networks?
» Is there anything I can do to protect my network above and beyond encrypting my data?
Q: Why are people so interested in wireless security?
A: People have become accustomed to the convenience of devices like laptops and PDAs. For companies, this translates into increased productivity, improved customer support, and competitive advantages in speed and responsiveness. These are the same reasons that more laptops and PDAs are being shipped with built-in wireless access. Wireless networks are easier to deploy and less expensive than wired networks, making security a concern.
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Q: Why would someone hack into my network?
A: The three common reasons for hacking include gaining access to your data, disrupting your network, and using your company's internet access for free. Ask yourself, would you be willing to put a LAN jack in your parking lot? Would you publish all your customer records, employee information, financial records, and confidential data on your website? If you don't protect your WLAN, you might as well.
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Q: Who would attack my network?
A: An estimated 45% of attacks come from hackers. Other instances of cyber-crime include former employees, organized criminals, disgruntled current employees, unhappy customers, and competitors. The "information" trade is a profitable trade.
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Q: Who cares if you're wireless network is secure?
A: Banks, investors, business partners, customers, employees, etc.
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Q: How hard is it to attack an unprotected wireless network?
A: Since wireless packets are transmitted through the air, an attacker needs only an ordinary PC, inexpensive wireless NIC card and a 20 GB disk. If the wireless network uses Static WEP encryption, the attacker needs a small piece of software and about 15 minutes to break your key. High-gain antennas can allow an attacker to be miles from the Access Point.
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Q: What are static WEP keys, and why aren't they secure?
A: There are two types of WEP keys, static and dynamic. Static WEP keys are less secure than dynamic WEP keys because there are a finite number of WEP keys being used (typically 4). The fewer keys in use, the easier it is for an attacker to derive the key. Dynamic WEP keys keep changing, giving hackers less time to decode the keys.
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Q: Why aren't wired network security measures OK for wireless networks?
A: Because a wired network is accessible only to users physically attached to it, but a wireless network is accessible to any device with a wireless card.
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Q: Is there anything I can do to protect my network above and beyond encrypting my data?
A: Implement server-based security. Maintain audit logs. Know who is accessing your network and how.
Our servers provide logs through their Accounting services. AAA Accounting services also allow session management such as limiting failed login attempts, and simultaneous session limits (to thwart dictionary and unauthorized user attacks).
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