Make sure your wireless network can't be sniffed

As wireless networks are becoming more popular, companies need to understand that they also need to be protected from intrusions because people with the right technology will be able to gain access to their networks, said Gary Sweidan, operations director of premier Internet service provider (ISP), DataPro.

"One of the biggest problems," said Sweidan, "is the capability of the people with the right technology to detect, or 'sniff', a wireless network. "The really alarming thing is that many of the tools required to hack into wireless networks are freely available on the Internet. There have even been press articles, which have talked about these tools, telling the reader where to find them on the Internet. But while there are risks inherent in running a wireless network - just like a physical one - we clearly have to accept that they are going to become more popular. The same security procedures, therefore, need to be taken - just as for a 'normal' network."

Sweidan said any sensitive information carried over a wireless network must, therefore, be protected by an appropriate form, and level, of encryption to protect against 'wireless eavesdropping'.