WLAN Security - Javvin

WLAN Security

WLAN security is one of the most complicated areas of WLAN administration. As wireless networks are still a fairly new phenomenon, many security developments have lagged behind when compared to functionality features. While security measures are upgraded on a consistent basis, new hacker software becomes more powerful at the same time. Three common wireless security issues are unauthorized access to the network, interception of internal transmissions by outside parties and compromised data due to the interference of external agents.

The first step in maintaining WLAN security is blocking network access to users who are not authorized to be on the network. If a hacker can access a network, there is no end to the damage that he or she can do. Firewalls are the main line of defense against intruders. Firewalls perform checks on the data that is passed over the network (in the case of a packet filtering firewall) or on the users themselves (in the case of an application proxy firewall). Application proxy firewalls are often more effective, due to the fact that they screen users as opposed to screening only information.

WLAN Security: Data Interception

Another WLAN security issue is the interception of data transmissions. People hack into the opening segment of a secure session, hoping to find a username and password with which they can watch the flow of data over the network. Wireless hackers (unlike wired ones) must be in range of the workstation they hope to monitor; the increasing range of wireless adapters unfortunately makes this process easier. Critical information can fall into the wrong hands when networks are infiltrated in this way. To protect against such activities, network setups may be configured with directional antennas, thus reducing the total size and range of the wireless network. Authentication tools (such as firewalls) must also be placed at as many checkpoints as possible.

Sometimes these hackers do not merely monitor traffic, but they alter it, thus compromising the security and operation of the entire network. The hacker can send data or commands that have the potential to disrupt communication and functionality across the entire WLAN. Firewalls, network architecture and base station discovery (which allow wired network administrators to find these interceptors by way of TCP/IP information or "fingerprints") are all important tools for keeping data and networks secure from outside threats.
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