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Understanding WLAN Security Risks and Strategies for WPA Implementation

Calendar Mar 25, 2003 • User Avatar Anthony Pell
1 min read
General Esm H446
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Topics Covered

security risks enterprise solutions network vulnerabilities wireless networks wlan security wpa transition
It is no secret that wireless local area networks, or WLANs Latest News about WLAN, can be probed by anyone within range of their radio signal, leaving them vulnerable to eavesdropping, unauthorized access and even viruses. In short, most WLANs have . . . It is no secret that wireless local area networks, or WLANs Latest News about WLAN, can be probed by anyone within range of their radio signal, leaving them vulnerable to eavesdropping, unauthorized access and even viruses. In short, most WLANs have security loopholes large enough to drive a truck through.

WEP (wired equivalent privacy), is the security mechanism that comes standard with 802.11 products, but its days are short-lived. That is because a new standard -- Wi-Fi Latest News about Wi-Fi protected access, or WPA -- is on the way. In the meantime, however, vendors are not waiting for certification; they are building products to bridge the time lag and give WLAN administrators solutions now.

The No. 1 security problem for WLANs is that a large number of enterprises do not activate their existing security systems, says Meta Group senior analyst Chris Kozup.