Cleansing the Air

Securing wireless networks of all sizes is challenging, but it's not impossible. Below are some well-known technologies.

• Authentication And Encryption
• Although wireless encryption protects data in transit, it does little to guard against hackers and viruses. Network owners should consider account registration and require users to use some access control/authentication protocol, such as 802.1x.
• Antivirus/Antispyware
• Public-network owners can configure their Wi-Fi networks to scan traffic and files for malicious code, such as viruses, worms, spyware, Trojans, bots and phishing attacks to protect attached clients from widespread infections.
• Endpoint Security/Quarantining
• Endpoint-security solutions keep noncompliant systems from contaminating a public network. These systems conduct health checks each time a computer connects to the network.
• Intrusion Detection/Traffic Monitoring
• Traffic-monitoring and intrusion-detection systems help identify malicious activity and target offending clients for removal.
• DNS Caching/Content Monitoring
• Public networks should capture user info, such as IP address, MAC address and account information. A network manager can then scan traffic for noncompliant materials.
• Managed Services
• Because they require considerable expertise to deploy and maintain, public wireless networks give VARs an opportunity to deliver managed services.