Businesses Failing To Take Basic Wi-Fi Security Precautions

The lack of security in wireless networks represents a serious threat to businesses that have not taken measures to protect themselves against those who can easily tap into the Wi-Fi systems being deployed in private and public locations.

According to an annual survey conducted by RSA Security, more than one-third of all wireless local area networks (LANs) used by businesses are not secure, exposing the companies to potential intrusions by hackers on the street or in nearby buildings. The increasing number of public wireless hotspots in cities across the globe compounds the problem, said Matt Buckley of RSA. "It's very easy for a potential hacker to access wireless LANs and take advantage of whatever is available on those networks," he told CIO Today.

The company's research shows that wireless networks in Europe's financial capitals alone are growing at an annual rate of 60 percent, many of them without access controls.