Wireless LANs and 802.1x

As wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) are being deployed and used in increasing numbers, opportunities for an attacker to access and penetrate these networks and their host network, a wired LAN, also increase. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard provides authentication and privacy protective security services. Recently, 802.1x has been approved and addresses port-based network access control. There is no perfectly secure network, be it a wired or a wireless network. Do not count on technology alone to solve all your network security problems. A security plan must address the network architecture, what is being protected and to what degree it is to be protected. You must keep up with the latest and evolving threats, products, technology and standards. If wireless LANs are part of your network architecture but is not considered in your security policy and procedures, your protection will be limited. Even with the reported flaws in WEP, it is still better to have WEP active than having nothing. Also, having equipment settings left at known defaults opens your network to attacks. A solid security policy and practices, which includes periodic reviews and incorporating a defense in depth concept will yield an optimal secure network.