Wireless Security in Scotland (WLANs)

If you are a large or small organisation (based in Scotland or the North of England), wishing to improve computer security, then online-edge can help. We explain the risks and recommend sensible and cost-effective solutions, in language that non-experts can understand. In fact, our company philosophy is based on being easy to work with. In short, we talk -

As a computer Security specialist based in SCOTLAND, online-edge is able to provide advice and support to small and medium sizes organisations seeking to implement Wireless LAN or WLAN networks.

We can assist you in selecting and installing the correct products for YOUR business, and offer friendly and sensible advice to our clients throughout Scotland and northern England.

Wireless LANs are designed to overcome the limitations of traditional wired or cabled networks, and are usually quick and easy to get working. However, the security aspects are often overlooked by the busy business owner or hard-pressed IT person. This can leave your PC network open to attack, and can also allow non-authorised users to surf the internet using your internet connection!

CLICK HERE to view a few simple steps which can be taken to improve the security of your wireless network.

There are a variety of protocols currently in use for wireless networking.

802.11b is most common, and Equipment using 802.11b is comparitively inexpensive. The 802.11b wireless communication standard operates in the unregulated 2.4 Ghz frequency range. Unfortunately, so do many other devices such as cordless phones and baby monitors which can interfere with your wireless network traffic. The maximum speed for 802.11b communications is 11 mbps. Most older WLAN equipment is based on 802.11b

The newer 802.11g standard improves on 802.11b. It still uses the same crowded 2.4 Ghz shared by other common household wireless devices, but 802.11g is capable of transmission speeds up to 54 mbps. Equipment designed for 802.11g will usually communicate with 802.11b equipment. In practice, the 54 Mbps is a theoretical bandwidth, with typical performance of 20 mbps.

The 802.11a standard operated on the 5 Ghz frequency range. By broadcasting in the range 802.11a devices run into a lot less interference from other radio devices. 802.11a is also capable of transmission speeds up to 54 mbps like the 802.11g standard, however 802.11 hardware is significantly more expensive. 802.11a does NOT inter-operate with 802.11b or .11g but does have uses in warehouse or industrial wireless applications.

 

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Our postal address is as follows:

online-edge Ltd.

The Old Smithy, 59 Lanark Road

Crossford, South Lanarkshire,

Scotland ML8 5RE.

Tel (01555) 860113 Fax (01555) 860748

©2004, online-edge ltd.

If you would like assistance with any aspect of IT security, please call online-edge on (01555) 860113 and ask for our IT Security helpdesk.

To arrange a FREE initial consultation or onsite demonstration, or to request further information, click the link below to send an email:

 

     

Eight easy ways to improve wireless security-

    1. Change the SSID: Wireless devises often have a default system ID called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) or ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier). Hackers can easily find out what the default identifier is for each manufacturer of wireless equipment, therefore it's a good idea to change it to something obscure that cannot be easily guessed.
    2. Disable SSID Broadcasting: Many systems are set up to broadcast the SSID, making it easier for new PCs to connect to your network. The side effect if this is that it makes it easier for unauthorised users or hackers to gain access.
    3. Enable Encryption: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encrypt your data so that only the intended recipient is supposed to be able to read it. WEP encryption can be cracked, but by using encryption you will keep casual hackers out of your systems.
    4. Restrict Unnecessary Traffic: Many wired and wireless routers have built-in firewalls . They are not the most technically advanced firewalls, but they help create one more line of defense. Read the manual for your hardware and learn how to configure your router to only allow incoming or outgoing traffic that you have approved.
    5. Change the Default Administrator Password: This is just good practice for ALL hardware and software. The default passwords are easily obtained by hackers, and because so many people don't bother to take the simple step of changing them they are usually what hackers try first. Make sure you change the default password on your wireless router / access point to something that is not easily guessed. Avoid common passwords such as 'password' or your name.
    6. Do not forget the basic PC security steps, such as implementing proper antivirus and PATCHING your PC operating Systems (e.g. Windows98/2000 or XP) are fully up to date by using Microsoft Windows Update.
    7. A firewall should be installed to protect your network from hacking attacks.
    8. Finally, the configuration of your routers / ADSL modems should be checked for correct set-up and any vulnerabilities should be addressed.

     

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