Wireless Network Security

                A wireless Local Area Network (LAN) changes the way you connect to networks inside a home or office by enabling network communications to occur over the air. A wireless network offers end-users the benefits of increased mobility when physical cabling may be too difficult or costly to install, but it also adds many security threats. An unsecured high speed connection is a likely target to these threats, and as a customer, you are responsible for any traffic passing through your network.

Why you should secure your wireless network

                With this increased convenience comes increased dangers. Hackers and identity thieves are targeting home wireless networks more than ever, looking for people that have simply plugged in their wireless router and not taken steps to protect their network. Being that careless is the same as moving into your home, but then leaving every door and window unlocked, simply hoping that no one will come in and steal your belongings. Only instead of walking off with your TV, wireless hackers are looking to steal your passwords, credit card numbers, and your bank account information over your wireless network. Also, people may use your service without your knowledge to illegally download movies, music, pornography or other copyright protected material. If that occurs, you can still be blamed for the illegal downloads. While it will take a little effort to secure your home network, it is essential to do so. Below is a list of possible security issues.

Wireless Security Threats

·         Eavesdropping. This involves attacks against the confidentiality of the data that is being transmitted across the network. In the wireless network, eavesdropping is the most significant threat because the attacker can intercept the transmission over the air from a distance away from the premise, gaining access to privileged data like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account information.

·         Tampering. The attacker can modify the content of the intercepted packets from the wireless network and this results in a loss of data integrity.

·         Unauthorized access and spoofing. The attacker could gain access to privileged data and resources in the network by assuming the identity of a valid user. This kind of attack is known as spoofing. To overcome this attack, proper authentication and access control mechanisms need to be put on the wireless network.

·         Denial of Service. In this attack, the intruder floods your network with either valid or invalid messages affecting the speed and bandwidth of your connection.

Wireless LAN Security Options

                The following options are available to secure a wireless network.

·         WPA/WPA2 also known as Wi-Fi Protected Access was designed to enhance security of wireless networks. It was created to take place of WEP. Wired Equivalent Privacy does have several weaknesses in its design, as a result,  we recommend updating your settings to WPA or WPA2.

·         MAC Address filtering. A Media Access Control filter can permit or deny access to specific and unique addresses that are built into any network card. This will prevent unauthorized computers from connecting to your network.

·         Disable SSID Broadcast. The Service Set Identifier is your network name which is broadcast to identify your wireless LAN. This feature in your wireless equipment can be disabled from broadcasting the identifier, and will require each authorized computer to enter the SSID manually in order to connect to your wireless network.

Proper security is essential as a wireless network user. Please consult with a local computer vendor or wireless manufacturer for configuration of wireless security options. Swiftel Communications has wireless routers available for purchase and upon request will assist with installation and configuration of the router.