Managing Wlan; Why The Wireless Networks Need To Be Managed; What Can We Do Against The Wireless Insecurity - ZyXEL Communications ZYWALL 1050 Support Notes

2.3 Managing WLAN

2.3.1 Why the wireless networks need to be managed?

Wireless networks reduce the cost of wired cabling and brings convenience to people to access
anytime and anywhere like in the office or in a community. However, they might be harmful
under certain conditions.
1. People misuse – People who you don't know might probe your AP and break in your
network without your permission. It is usually called "Wardriving". When you are using
wireless link to transfer confidential data, these important data might be eavesdropped by
somebody.
2. People mis-configuration – In company, it's MIS's headache to control the "Rogue APs".
Employees might connect an AP with non-security-mechanism or weak WEP/WAP
passphrase to company's network without informing MIS people. It will create a security
hole allowing outsiders to bypass the company's security checking and to access the
company's confidential information or even use some tools to damage the company's
network service.

2.3.2 What can we do against the wireless insecurity?

We recommend that Wireless AP must be isolated from your Intranet. Also, there must be a
mechanism to centrally manage access privileges and access credentials regardless of whether
the clients are wired or wireless.
All contents copyright (c) 2007 ZyXEL Communications Corporation.
ZyWALL 1050/ZyWALL USG 300 Support Notes
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