Importance Of Wireless Network Security
Wireless connections have become an increasingly popular way of providing internet access. Many people prefer it for their home connections as well as in the workplace because of the high speed Internet connectivity and flexibility of usage without a LAN connection. Though wireless has made providing internet access quite easy, it also presents many potential dangers in the form of a number of security problems. Configuring the necessary security features can sometimes feel confusing, time-consuming and non-intuitive.
As computer networks are the most common method for business to send all manner of data, classified or otherwise, security becomes a highly important part of the wireless network structure. The security level should always be updated and maintained to ensure the proper protection of data integrity and confidentiality that one would expect from a wired network connection. There is the dangerous possibility of any wireless network adapter within the range of another network adapter to easily access the other network.
According to some statistics, the amount of non secure wireless access points is steadily growing, with a large percentage of access points having little or no security enabled. An increase in availability of free tools over the internet has provided many with the tools needed to abuse unprotected wireless networks, thus posing a serious threat to businesses.
There are many reasons for this widespread lack of security. One source is ignorance or laziness on the part of network administrators. Particularly in small businesses and home connections, people are unaware of the seriousness of this issue and become complacent, not worrying so long as they are able to use the wireless connection to browse the internet or access files remotely.
By overlooking wireless security, businesses are essentially inviting a seemingly limitless pool of opportunistic hackers to access data transmitted across the unprotected network. After all, an open network not only provides unmonitored access to the internet, but also leaves open access to saved files and confidential data.
Poor security can result from even the simplest mistakes. For example, many businesses forget to change the default administrator passwords that hardware is shipped with. These passwords are readily available online, so it’s hardly challenge to acquire them. Additionally, all wireless hardware comes with a standard system ID. Like default administrative passwords, this information is easily found online. Simply changing these passwords to something unique can go a long way to securing a wireless network.
Another mistake often made by small businesses using wireless networks is neglecting to put a firewall in place. Many wireless routers have rudimentary firewalls built in. It is important to learn how the firewall works so that it can be configured properly. Of equal importance for security is enabling encryption. While there will always be methods to circumvent these measures, they will certainly keep all but the most determined hackers from causing trouble.
Security should be a priority for all businesses using a wireless network. Implementing such measures will prevent unauthorized access to vital financial information and other documents, thus keeping your business safe.
AVS Installations Robert Leggio has been an officer with several major audio visual companies since 1985. Having extensive audio equipment knowledge, Robert brings AVSI to an elite level with high standards.http://www.avsillc.com Co-Sponsored By: Mitsubishi, Tandberg, and AMX Corp.
Virtual Private Networks: Securing Your Business’s Network
Virtual private networks are an essential part of businesses that utilize telecommuting, as it is an ideal method for businesses that want to provide access to network resources remotely. Virtual private networks have become an industry standard for many organizations that have employees scattered across the globe. These virtual networks increase security because, as the name implies, they are private, therefore restricting access to only authorized parties.
The secure tunnel method that is deployed with these networks has built a solid foundation for remote networking that has changed even the physical infrastructure of business. Employees in remote locations have the same network access as employees that are housed within the buildings where the networks reside.
There are many ways to describe a virtual private network. You may find a great deal of information on the complexity of the process, but in the most simple terms a virtual private network is one that provides network access to remote users. This is typically accomplished through an internet source that allows users to authenticate their identity and log on to their network sources remotely.
This feature is also backed by other new advancements. Virtual private networks are growing in number, which in turn increases the need for improved security features. This is why there have been advancements in security measures. Digital signatures, for example, serve as a new measure of protection from outside intruders.
Businesses that utilize virtual private networks benefit tremendously because it cuts the costs that are associated with the alternative leased lines that are used to perform the same function. Organizations also have the ability to cut the operating costs that would be spent on long distance charges. This yields increased revenues for companies that would also acquire the costs of third party support for the servers that would be required to maintain the remote connectivity.
The ability for remote offices to connect is an essential part of the daily routine for many businesses. Many large corporations have employees that telecommute. There are also companies that have smaller branch offices that rely on the resources of the network to perform a variety of tasks. It has proven to be a powerful tool that is gaining even more use as smart phones and other portable electronic devices grow in popularity.
The concept of virtual private network supersedes the ideology that was formed in the creation of intranet networks. The intranet sites were secure, but virtual private networks take remote access to a whole new level of utility. These virtual resources allow different users to access documents and multiple drives that reside on organizational servers.
It helps increase network productivity because employees within an organization are no longer limited by geographical location. It also cuts down the time that it takes to email documents back and forth. This is ideal for employees that may be working on parts of a project together even though they are not in the same physical location.
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