Networking / Beginners

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Security Threats

The main security issue with wireless networks, especially radio networks, is that they intentionally propagate data over an area that may exceed the limits of the area the organization physically controls. For instance, radio waves easily penetrate building walls and are receivable from the facility's parking lot and possibly a few blocks away. Someone can passively retrieve your company's sensitive information by using the same wireless NIC from this distance without being noticed by network security personnel. This requires, though, that the intruder obtain the network access code necessary to join the network.

This problem also exists with wired ethernet networks, but to a lesser degree. Current flow through the wires emits electromagnetic waves that someone could receive by using sensitive listening equipment. The person must be much closer to the cable, though, to receive the signal.

Another security problem is the potential for electronic sabotage, in which someone maliciously jams the radio-based network and keeps you from using the network. Remember, most wireless networks utilize a carrier sense protocol to share the use of the common medium. If one station is transmitting, all others must wait. Someone can easily jam your network by using a wireless product of the same manufacturer that you have within your network and setting up a station to resend packets continually. These transmissions block all stations in that area from transmitting, thereby making the network inoperable. In such cases, the company stands to incur a loss.