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| PandaLabs Reports 60 Percent of WiFi Networks Are Vulnerable Panda Software has published the "Security in Wireless Networks" report by PandaLabs, which highlights the security deficiencies in WEP, the most widely used protocol in Wi-Fi environments, and underlines the relative reliability of other current systems, such as WPA or WPA-PSK. According to the survey, almost 60 percent of networks had no security system at all. The study describes primary security protocols, such as WEP and WPA, and their main weaknesses, and includes an overview of wireless networks. The report looks at security in captive portals used to regulate connections in open networks, such as those in airports, hotels and various public locations. The conclusions of the study are clear: security of WiFi networks is insufficient. While the most widely used protocol for the security of the network, WEP, has many vulnerabilities, the most effective protocols, such as WPA or WPA-PSK, are hardly used at all. PandaLabs was able to verify this through a series of wardriving surveys carried out internationally in which almost 60 percent of networks lack needed protection. Wardriving involves detecting wireless networks on a specific route using a WiFi equipped laptop, and software for detecting the networks. Wireless networks represent an infection channel for silent malicious code as well as targeted attacks, as they are an entry point to corporate networks. This allows hackers and all types of malicious codes - including those designed to target a specific institution - to infiltrate networks. The document concludes with basic recommendations for protecting WiFi networks based on the findings of the study, and an analysis of the outlook for WiFi security in the future. The "Security in Wireless Networks" report by PandaLabs can be downloaded athttp://onlinepressroom.net/panda write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Networking News :: home page |