The popularity of wireless networks has grown over the past few years. Though the technology behind these networks is modern, there are some precautions that need to be taken with their use. Wireless network security should be dealt with seriously through the use of a WEP key, WPA, or other available authentication means.

Need for Secure Wireless Networks

Wireless networks broadcast over a low radio frequency band commonly subject to interference. Consequently they are susceptible to eavesdropping, especially if no proper security or authentication measures are in place. Others who know how to access the same frequency can easily get into the system. This can be a serious threat to any network, especially to companies with highly confidential information.

Wireless Network Security Measures

Most wireless networks now are using some form of security measure to make sure that their system is safe from outsiders. These security measures include Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wifi Protected Access (WPA).

Wired Equivalent Privacy

The IEEE 802.11 standard used for wireless networks includes a security mechanism to protect data called the Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP. This first generation wireless security works by encrypting the data with a RC4 stream cipher and checked for integrity using the CRC-32 checksum. The digital encryption is commonly known as the WEP key.

The WEP key is usually 40- or 64-bits long, but there are also major manufacturers that use the extended 128-bit key. The WEP key is usually in the form of hexadecimal characters and anyone who knows the key can gain access to the wireless network. Though wireless security WEP is still the default choice of most routers there are some flaws in the system that allow some vulnerabilities in the network to remain unaddressed.

With a lot of professional hackers around, hacking WEP is quite an easy job. Most routers only have a selection of 5 or 6 keys and the same model of router usually has the same combination of keys. Even if the key is custom generated, however, professional hackers still have ways of getting past the security. There is no monitoring scheme so the hacker can send hundreds of thousands of guesses in just a matter of minutes.

Continue to: Information on WPA Wireless Security Systems

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The Basics of Wireless Network Security

Need for Secure Wireless Networks

Wireless Network Security Measures

Wired Equivalent Privacy

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