SECURITY OVER WI-FI

ABSTRACT

Wireless security is the prevention of unauthorized access or damage to computers using wireless networks. The most common types of wireless security are Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). WEP is a notoriously weak security standard. Wireless technology has many benefits over wire based technologyin terms of portability, flexibility, productivity, and installation costs. Wi-Fi networks can be accessed by using any electronic gadget (Mobile, Laptop etc). Wireless technologies have gaining their platform rapidly in business as well as in personal lives. Wireless Networking changed completely the way people communicate and share information by eliminating the boundaries of distance and location. Since the IEEE ratification of the 802.11 standard in 1997, this paper describes the justification for a project to assess the security status of wireless network usage in society. It also reviews the commercial and residential approaches to wireless network security status in the county. By War Driving these conurbations, actual data was gathered to indicate the security status of wireless networks and give a representation of modern attitudes towards wireless security for the sample population. Preliminary results are presented to demonstrate the extent to which commercial or residential conurbations address wireless security. At this stage in the research further work is required to completely analyse the results. It is anticipated that the results will be useful for providing input into a defence and attack methodology for improving the security of both residential and commercial use of wireless networks. 

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