Implementing a wireless networking system can result in serious security problems if the system is not properly secured. This is true of a wireless network deployed at home or one deployed in the office. In fact, some residential Internet service providers have clauses in their agreements that indicate that service is not to be shared with people outside of those covered by the agreement. If you deploy an insecure wireless network, it could result in a loss of service, or in the use of your network as a launching pad for attacks against other networks. To help you close these security holes, here are six quick wireless networking tips.

Why do I want to close the loop?
The point of properly securing a wireless access point is to close off the network from outsiders who do not have authorization to use your services. A properly secured access point is said to be “closed” to outsiders. A wireless network is more difficult to secure than a typical wired network due to its nature. A wired network has a limited number of fixed physical points of access while a wireless network can be used at any point within the range of the antennas.

Plan antenna placement
The first step in implementing a closed wireless access point is to place the access point’s antenna in such a way that it limits how much the signal can reach areas outside the coverage area. Don’t place the antenna near a window, as the glass does not block the signal. Ideally, your antenna will be placed in the center of the area you want covered with as little signal leaking outside the walls as possible. Of course, it’s next to impossible to completely control this, so other measures need to be taken as well.

Use WEP
Wireless encryption protocol (WEP) is a standard method to encrypt traffic over a wireless network. While it has major weaknesses, it is useful in deterring casual hackers. Many wireless access point vendors ship their units with WEP disabled in order to make the product installation easier. This practice gives hackers immediate access to the traffic on a wireless network as soon as it goes into production since the data is directly readable with a wireless sniffer. [Continued...] [Scott Lowe, MCSE]