NCJ Number
209679
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 150-152,154,155
Date Published
April 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article identifies some of the risks for public safety agencies in using 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless data systems and offers tips for using it as effectively as possible.
Abstract
Many public safety agencies are considering or are already using an 802.11 wireless broadband technology because of its availability and price; however, there are some major risks that must be addressed. Wireless networks are often unprotected, and information transmitted has been intercepted by hackers. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has developed a security standard whose core involves two phases: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Robust Security Networks (RSN). If 802.11 technology is purchased, it should use WPA at a minimum and RSN if possible. Problems with eavesdropping and most of the denial of service attacks are mitigated with these security measures. This article discusses the risks posed by the use of unlicensed 802.11 technology without these security measures in terms of eavesdropping, modification attacks, "masquerading" attacks, and denial of service (identity attacks, medium access control, and distributed denial of service). Security tips offered are to change the default administrator log-in and password, turn on encryption, put a firewall between the wireless access point and the network, change the default wireless network name, enable medium-access-control address filtering, disable the wireless network name broadcast, assign static IP addresses to devices, and position the wireless access point in a safe place.