WI-FI SECURITY

INTRODUCTION:

WI-FI is an abbreviation for “ WIRELESS FIDELITY”. WI-FI technology is a Latest trend in wireless network. We are trying to take this applicatin to the next stage. We are going to explore about security vulnerabilities in Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks.

Wi-Fi security gives some useful solution for current problems by using IPSEC protocol.

Wi-Fi wireless products use microwave radio frequencies for wireless transmissions. IPSECURITY protocols provide mechanisms which sometimes lead to unsecured links.

The Wi-Fi enabled devices like PC, Cell Phone can be connected to Internet within the range of wireless network. The Area covered by one or several interconnected points is called a HOTSPOT.

NEED FOR WI-FI wireless Network:

Wi-Fi allows the LANs to be connected without cabling and therefore typically reducing the costs of the network expansion. It can be employed where the cables cannot be employed such as outdoor areas and historical buildings.

As the latest laptops contain inbuilt wireless network adapters the price of chipsets for Wi-fi keeps on reducing.

LAN AND WI-FI:

LAN:

From Ethernet hub n number of cables is to be connected to PC and laptops which increases the cost of wiring and the spacing required.

WI-FI:

A single cable is be used between Ethernet hub and WI-FI system. And after that WI-FI looks after the LAN connections in the local area.

TYPES OF THREATS:

Some of the Major threats we are facing include the following:

· Accidental Associations

· Rogue Access Points

· Unsecured Access points.

Accidental Associations:

A common Wi-Fi security problem encountered in business networks is the phenomenon of Accidental Associations. These occur when users operating on a legitimate WLAN ‘drift’ on to an overlapping WLAN of the neighbor a few floors up or a hacker in the parking lot across the street.

ROGUE ACCESS POINTS:

They are unauthorized Wi-Fi access points placed by employee users providing wireless access to your organization’s network without IT management authorization.

UNSECURED ACCESS POINTS:

Whether users in your organization connect to WLANs inside or outside of the management network infrastructure, there are security risks when users associate their endpoint PCs with Unsecured Access points. These are the Risk factors that are employed in Wi-Fi technology.

EXISTING WI-FI SECURITY:

Some of the existing Wi-Fi security are as follows.

· Desktop firewall software.

· Network firewall/Router.

· Spam filter

· Password Management

· System back up and so on.

These security systems are employed in Wi-Fi systems using IP SECURITY protocols which provides mechanisms for establishing security associations between pairs of devices.

Using the Securities mentioned above the following problems can be avoided.

· Prevent connection to rogue access points.

· Secure users working at public access Wi-Fi hotspots, making them virtually invisible to hackers.

· Control unwitting employee behavior.

· Ensures endpoints can only connect via approved Wi-Fi access points.

APPLICATION OF WI-FI:

Can be used within the school campus so that the students and teachers can access to the information they need.

With the wireless network users can send or receive mail, share files, download assignment, create web based study groups and so on.

ADVANTAGES OF WI-FI:

· Share a single Internet connection with all computers

· Share files with Family.

· Cheaper.

· Ideal for ADSL/Dial up.

CONCLUSION:

In this article some basic implementation of Wi-Fi Security and the techniques to avoid threats using these techniques are provided. Thus Wi-Fi technology applied in education, home users and small business provides flexibility and can access any where.