Security Vulnerabilities and Wireless LAN Technology

Wireless local area network systems (LANs), also referred to as Wi-Fi can be found everywhere. Since their introduction in the mid 1990s, they have proliferated among home users and have taken over organizations whether or not they are authorized. Like their wired counterparts, computers with wireless LANs are prone to security vulnerabilities. This paper describes many of the vulnerabilities that can exist for home wireless LAN systems [small office/home office (SOHO)] as well as for enterprise LAN systems. Both LAN types are vulnerable to the same kinds of attacks and errors, but this paper places the emphasis on details of the larger more complex enterprise wireless LANs. The paper discusses where the vulnerabilities reside, methods that can be used to detect them, and how to secure them. Discussion of hackers' tools, 802.11 security standards, and points to consider in planning a wireless LAN are also incorporated into the paper because of their importance when attempting to secure a wireless LAN. Although the main focus of the paper is wireless LAN security vulnerabilities, some information on current and future trends in wireless LANs is also included. The paper concludes that wireless LANs can be used safely, if certain measures are taken to secure them.