Wireless Security in the Real World
Many people who operate wireless networks in their homes stick with the basic levels of security which come bundled with their router, and in most cases this will suffice. However, when you are out in public the various institutions in which Wi-Fi is available will have to consider much more stringent security due to the heightened risk of exploitation by malicious parties. Institutions in New York City, Long Island and further afield will be influenced by this kind of security planning and as such both public and private organizations are implicated.

At the heart of wireless security is encryption and access management. Various types of encryption are used in public networks. RSA encryption was developed in the late 1970s but still proves effective today in allowing access only to those who hold the proper keys. The development of RSA led to the creation of a security firm with the same name and it has gone on to have great influence over security of all kinds, in particular on public networks.

For lightly secured wireless access there are two typical security standards available, WEP and WPA. The former is less secure having been picked apart by experts over the years and if it is at all an option an organization is in a better position if it can choose WPA2 standards for security over wireless networks. Of course for convenience and compatibility many choose to ignore this route, although it may be a costly mistake in the long term should a potentially preventable security breach occur.

Organizations which have to make and receive payment card transactions on their premises need to consider the guidelines of the PCI DSS. This is particularly pertinent when transactions might be made wirelessly from terminals or when large amounts of financial information is stored on in-house servers to which access might be gained over the local Wi-Fi network. Specific rules relating to wireless LAN deployment within payment card transaction environments are in effect, with various security requirements being in place to ensure that organisations do not find their data compromised.

Bodies dealing with health care are yet another example of where wireless security is a paramount concern. Providing customers and patients with Wi-Fi and giving practitioners the access they need to the medical records while they are on the move is something which many organizations choose to enact. However, ensuring HIPAA compliance and meeting the standards of HIPAA certification will mean that the security of sensitive medical information, particularly during transit from server to device or firm to firm, needs to be safeguarded to ensure that the patient is given their right to privacy.

Wireless networks are important in a wide variety of situations in the modern world, providing web access and data sharing where it was impossible before and even allowing for wireless outdoor speakers and other peripherals to enhance the experience available to visitors to a public place. However, security considerations and compliance with official guidelines need to be top of the agenda for those in charge.

Make sure that you ask Your Data Center Incorporated for a free network evaluation! We can save you a major headache by setting up security with tight access control lists, TCP/IP port filtering, MAC address lists, static IP addressing and enhanced VLAN controls so that intruders cannot hop across your entire network whenever they want! We can also actively monitor your network for signs of intrusion. We know how hacking is done, and we know how to stop it!