protocol

A Secure Feeling

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:01:39 -0400

A Secure Feeling
Last week, the nation received a stark reminder of just how critical communications can be. In a highly-decentralized environment there arose the necessity to tell everyone about an issue--in this case, an issue of life or death. The mechanism didn't exist to effectively make that announcement in that environment, just as it doesn't exist in most similar environments. We've been told by many people that wireless devices are convenience items or distractions. If a situation requires mass notification very quickly, though, they can be lifesavers. How does your organization's emergency notification system use wireless devices? What's the protocol for a "send all," and do you even have the mechanism in place for alerting everyone at once? We can pray that your company's emergency doesn't involve violence, but other critical emergencies do happen in the life of every organization: plan now to use wireless to keep staff informed and working together. -Curtis

Keep that wireless network protected

Sun, 16 Jul 2006 20:01:38 -0400

As security is the top issue with wireless networks and devices, there's never enough knowledge or insight when it comes to protecting data and network access. There are several good steps enterprises can take to batten down wireless nets, including making sure your service set identifier (SSID) is hidden out of sight and pulling in two encryption standards--Wireless Equivalent Protocol (WEP) and WiFi Protected Access (WPA). Another good practice is filtering out those MAC addresses. There are three more ways to secure your wireless network involving firewall technology and IP address management strategies. Article

How to meld good security with hybrid wireless network

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 20:01:38 -0400

Meshing various wireless devices and applications supported by various protocols can be a security nightmare, but there are some avenues you can pursue as long as you understand the limitations of the many wireless specs and standards. The easiest and best security approach is using standard devices that support all the 802.11i-standard Wireless Protected Access-2 (WPA2) capabilities in access points (AP). But that is often not available for today's enterprises, which typically boast devices tied to different specs--such as WPA Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). The best strategy, in that scenario, is to build separate security networks. Yet remember that client devices must find a protocol match on the APs to which they associate. So, in effect, WEP has to talk to WEP; it can't talk to WPA or WPA2. By developing separate networks, such as a WEP network, a WPA network and a WPA2 network, you separate out data and voice, which could boost stability as well. Article