What SW secures a Wireless LAN? 1

[energy4life]

We've got workstations with Wireless NICs to add to a W2k network. I'm BAFFLED at not having found software to provide a suitable layer of firewall and network security. (for the wired Ethernet clients, we use Norton Antivirus. And the leased router has a firewall also).

 

[dput]

You may want to set your wireless LAN up outside of your normal network had have it come in through a seperate interface on your firewall. You may want to consider using VPN's to secure the communications. There are appliances that help improve security on wireless. I have looked at the product from Blue Socket. You still will want to provide all normal Antivirus protection.

I would treat these devices as being not secure and force them to provide extra protection. It is awful easy for someone with a wireless card to tap right in. Dan

 

[energy4life]

thanks dput - i'm not so much concerned about intrusion that impacts data security... but i also get the impression that intrusions can be accidental - almost like interference on analog/phone networks... true?

 

[dput]

802.11b wireless runs on the 2.4 GHz unlicensed frequencies. Newer wirest phones also use this frequency. I believe even Microwaves can generate this frequency. All of these can cause interference on the 802.11b wireless networks.

Also, I would not minimize the security risks of 802.11b. With a card that costs less than $100 and a little bit of free software, it is not hard to get on the network. Dan