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THE AIM OF THIS WHITE PAPER.
One of the most important parts of Information Security is awareness.
The goal of this white paper is to increase the public's awareness
as to the dangers of using a wireless network.
Because wireless networks are so convenient, they are being widely
used. In a survey I conducted with Channel
8 News Anchor Jon Camp, we drove for 20 minutes around Portland,
Maine, and registered 722 wireless access points. Of these 722 WAPs,
336 had NO encryption and were basically wide open. Note that at
least half of those were owned and operated by businesses.
Convenience is often the enemy of Security:
It is not convenient to lock and unlock our doors every time we
walk in or out. But we do it, because it is safer. It is not convenient
to have to use passwords on our computers, but it is much safer
- and in some cases, it is an actual federally mandated, required
activity. It may not be convenient to have to think about security
when it comes to WAPs, but it is the smart thing to do! It is also
our civic duty.
What you should know about Wireless Access Points (WAPs):
In this section, we try and bring you what you need to know, regardless
of your level of technology knowledge, about Wireless Access Points.
Read
More...
What you should do if you own or plan to purchase a WAP:
The aim of this white paper is NOT to say that no one should use
wireless technology. It is to remind users that there is a security
risk attached to using wireless networks. At the same time, if a
user is aware of those risks, they can certainly limit their exposure
and still be able to use a wireless network. Read
More...
Connecting to a WAP in a public place (Coffee shop, hotel...):
Many public spaces, such as hotels, coffee shops, libraries, sandwich
shops, and many more, provide free wireless access for their clients.
While the offer is kind, enticing and convenient, there are simple
security rules of which you should be aware in order to protect
yourself and your information. Read
More...
What you can do to secure your wireless access point:
There are simple, security measures that you can deploy in order
to secure your wireless access point. While I have tried to not
be too technical up to now, this section may require a little computer
knowledge. If you feel that you should hire a Network Security Professional
to assist you with these tasks, do it! Read
More...
David Jacquet
Sec+, MCSE, CEH, CEI, CISSP
Dave is the President of Red Cell Security. Dave serves
as Network Security Engineer and InfoSec Trainer, focusing on core
security services such as Vulnerability Assessments, Penetration
Testing and Social Engineering engagements. You can email Dave here,
or contact him over the phone at this number: (207) 749 7436.
NOTE: This content is copyright 2007 Red Cell Security
and may not be reproduced in any fashion without prior written content
from Red Cell Security.
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