Rakesh Kalidindi
Threats caused by Wireless Parasites
MISM 670
Periodical Review
IT Security Threats Caused By Wireless 'Parasites'
This article is about the security threats created by Parasites: unauthorized users. The author talks about the problems faced by the businesses, cities and other organizations that make wireless access available to customers, employees, and residents. He gives certain recommendations to better secure wireless networks from "parasites" trolling for access and unsecured connections set up by legitimate users.
Many computer users at malls, coffee shops, schools try to connect to a freely available wireless network. Knowingly or unknowingly when they connect, they open up the entire network to trouble, allowing an array of security breaches. These problems arise when someone allowed to use an organization's wireless network adds an unauthorized wireless signal to increase the main network's signal strength. These secondary connections may pose to be vulnerable, as they are not protected by any security measures that exist on the main network. These unsecured connections are an invitation to the hackers. The author recommends some precautions to secure the wireless networks from unauthorized users.
Limited signal coverage
The strength of the wireless network should be limited, so that it cannot be detected outside the bounds of home or office. Turn off SSID broadcasting
A Service Set Identifier (SSID) is a code attached to packets on a wireless network that is used to identify each packet as part of that network. When it is enabled the network can be identified by all wireless clients within range.
WPA/WEP encryption
Encrypted communication will protect confidential information from being disclosed. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) are two encryption schemes. Key management Even if the encryption technique is used, a hacker might crack the key and decrypt the communication. Therefore, the key must be regularly changed.
MAC address
If a wireless access point only accepts connections from known MAC addresses, an attacker should learn the addresses of legitimate computers in order to access the wireless network.
My opinion on this article is that the author’s reasons regarding the security issues of wireless networks are absolutely correct. The precautions recommended by him are undoubtfully useful in securing the wireless networks from being hacked. All the businesses, organizations and homes should follow the precautions to secure their networks.
Citation: University of Maryland, College Park (2007, August 27). IT Security Threats Caused By Wireless 'Parasites'. Science Daily. Retrieved September 30, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2007/08/070824185539.html
