Subject: Wireless Technology

Topic: Security Issues in Wireless Systems

Difficulty: Low

Now-a-days wireless local area networks are mostly used in place of wired local area networks in offices, industries, multinational companies, buildings etc.

The wireless LAN systems send and receive data through wireless medium i.e. over the air with RF technology. This reduces the hardware needed for wired connections and also infrastructure required.

The wireless LANs provide the user with data connectivity and mobility. This increases their use in devices like notebook, computers, handheld terminals, laptops, smart phones, tablets, etc. for sending the real time data to be processed to the centralized unit.

Many business customers, industries are using wireless LAN systems. However, the security of wireless LAN systems is of prime importance as data sent through wireless medium can be broken easily and is insecure in comparison to that of wired networks. The data transmitted through wireless medium over the air can be received by anyone. Hence, care must be taken while transmitting important data using wireless LANs.

Whether using wireless or wired network any computer is subject to following security issues: - a) Privacy

b) Threat to the physical security of the network

c) Unwanted users accessing the network in unauthorized manner.

• For transmitting data on local area networks there should be some security irrespective of the type of communication i.e. wired or wireless in order to ensure that the data is not transmitted to unauthorized users, hackers, network attackers.

• Extreme security, privacy is needed if the data transmitted is related to financial institutions, banks, Military, e-government, e-commerce, air-fare, railway bookings, etc. as the data is very confidential and of utmost importance.