Speaking at Media Tech-Talk in Kathmandu Wednesday, Rajan Raj Pant, Controller at the Office of Controller of Certification under the Ministry of Science and Technology urged the users to follow adequate security measures to remain on the safe side. [break]
“Since data is broadcast on an open radio channel in Wi-Fi network, there is the possibility of unwanted people accessing the network and sharing the data,” Pant said. “Though data is protected by Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption in Wi-Fi networks, it can be easily cracked.”
Wireless Local Area Networks are prone to threats like malicious hacking attempts and rogue access points, and denial-of-service, among others.
“Mobile devices are equally risky when used in Wi-Fi networks," Pant said.
Malicious association occurs when hackers make wireless devices connect to a company network through their cracking laptop instead of a company access point (AP), Pant said, adding that the denial-of-service attack occurs when a hacker continually attacks the target with external communication request.
“The risks can be minimized in administration and end-users level,” Pant said, adding that the end-users should ensure the legitimacy of hotspot before connecting and disabling wireless devices when not in use.
“One should avoid sending important information like bank passwords and credit card number through wireless network. People using wireless connectivity should follow wireless LAN security policies and practices," he suggested. He further added that using passwords, restricting AP connection and protecting wireless devices were other security measures.
“Administrators should also implement secure management policy for APs by disabling telnet and by periodic scanning of virus and enabling Public Secure Packet Forwarding. Radio, client and network based scanning is another way to maintain secured connection," he added.
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