WiFi Security

WiFi Security feature protects your network and gets quick access associated with Win2K, XP. It supports WEP or WPA and gives you real-time interloper alerts you from free blockers and you feel glad when there is no spyware and no adware in your network to spoil your files. Any users get access to the Internet by means of laptop, handhold games, smart cell phones and PDA. The most important thing is it tenders a trouble-free and cheap method to safe and sound your network connection at any hotspot all over the world. WiFi Security examines data and perceives entrance point in real time and identifies the user who wants to spoil your files.


When we talk about WiFi Security then a detail list come in view to make our network more secure. Wifi discover different security tools such as Airsnort pull through encryption keys when adequate packets have been collected. Airfart sense wireless devices and count their signal powers and make it easy for user to understand, AP Radar used to manage the configuration, Boingo Software helpful for you to include thousand of location all over the world. DStumbler offer a complete set for auditing, KisMAC one of the best security weapons, iStumbler used to analyze your dashboard, MacStumbler display information about nearby network, MiniStumbler offering convenience, WirelessMon allows users to check the position of wireless and so on.

WiFi Security Raw Packet confines tools consist of AirPcap facilitate troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark to provide information about protocols and radio signals, ettercap offers active and passive analysis of many protocols, libpcap allow link-layer in Windows environments and it contains driver used to extend the OS. The Wi-Fi interference recognition and preclusion Systems is the most powerful wireless instruction system and provide complete security against policy compliance and threats such as AirTight Networks SpectraGuard Enterprise and Sentry which not only detect the threat also remove and delete it from your system, Manage engine WiFi manage the security tools and check that alls are working or not. It is a big solution of WLAN and Wireless Solutions from WildPackets, it has a unique gift to address wireless network.

The Analyzers of WiFi Security execute a real-time photograph of all WLAN communications and actions these tools always in action to recognize your data and analysis. There is a long list of analyzers such as Javvin Network Packet analyzer ensure the network performance and prevent the network security, Network Chemistry Packetyzer serve the net with Ethereal packet detain and analysis library, NetScout Sniffer Portable venture network relations. The network instruments observer, tamosoft commview for Wi-Fi and wireshark such a great tool to manage and monitor your network security.

Wi-Fi Security for end clients offer a complete control over the entire network from design to development and including AirMagnet StreetWISE offer automatically diagnose, AirPatrol AirSafe will turn off your network if sense any one interrupt in it, AirTight SpectraGuard SAFEdetect classically and make a solution, AirDefense Personal defend the system from the risks that could depiction confidential data and secret dealings and same as AirDefense Personal, Aruba Networks Endpoint Compliance, HotSpotDK, Sana Primary Response Air Cover, and ZENworks USB/Wireless Security provide you a safeguard for your data and transaction. The WiFi networks, robotically sense the necessary WiFi security settings, and caution you about insecure or treacherous networks. keep in mind the following things to make you network secure, don’t put on air your SSID, always enable WPA encryption as an alternative of WEP, Utilize MAC filtering for entrance power and immobilize remote administration.

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Possible Security issues and risks using WiMax

WiMax is quite discussed broadband technology which is yet be deployed properly in many parts of the world, it is been used effectively in few parts of world for delivering high speed internet connectivity over longer distances. This feature is making it popular to internet and telecommunication services. WiMax was developed because security issues in older technology WiFi 802.11. WiMax vendors and standard setters realized the importance of the security therefore, 802.16 working groups was designed considering several mechanisms to protect the network and the customers privacy from unauthorized access.


Authentication

An important and creative feature incorporated in 802.16 network is that each SS, (subscriber station) must have X.509 certificate, this certificate will identify the subscriber uniquely, attackers will not be able to get into the legitimate subscribers list by spoofing their identity because of X.509 certificate. X.509 hence provides enough security against major threats to services. However, lacking in base stations and service provider authentication leaves a big loop whole in the authentication mechanism used by WiMax privacy and key management (PKM), this expose WiMax subscribers to different confidentiality and availability attacks by unauthorized users. To protect from such vulnerability, amendments where made in 802.16 standards. Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) was introduced in 802.16e.

Encryption

Introduction of 802.16e and support for the AES provide the strong support of confidentially of data traffic. 802.16 has same issue just like 802.11 management frames are not encrypted, that increases the chances for attackers or intruders to collect information about subscribers and network.


Availability

WiMAX uses licensed Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum, which provides protection from unauthorized access to some extent. There are tools available which are easy to use for jamming the spectrum from all planned WiMAX deployments. Along with physical layer denial of service attacks, intruders can use legacy management frames to disconnect the current legitimate network connections.

WiMAX Threats

With all efforts to make WiMAX a very secure technology, there are still several potential attacks which are threats to WiMAX usabilit few of them are DOS attacks, Rogue Base Stations, Man in the middle attacks, spoofing of management frames etc. The actual testing of WiMAX security will come into play when WiMAX provider begins wide scale network deployment. This will give attackers good chance and better exposure to manipulate the network security, and access CPE equipment. Until the proper deployment of WiMax technology, Security issues are just speculations.

Detail : http://www.wifinotes.com


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Wifi technology and its risks

The development of computer and non-computer connected devices has allowed for growth in the installation of technologies based on radio frequencies and microwaves which permit wireless connection between various computers and/or laptops. Wifi technology (Wireless Fidelity) offers the possibility of fast connections via radio frequencies without the use of cables or sockets. Bluetooth, wifi, PDAs, WiMAX (broadband Wifi) are all technologies which permit voice and data communication without the use of cables.
These technologies (wireless technologies) are replacing connection cables. Bluetooth wireless networks with a range of 100 metres, or wifi systems with a longer range, allow us to be permanently connected. All these systems emit pulsating electromagnetic waves similar to those emitted by mobile phones.



The Spanish State adopts the specified international guideline of 5 GHz frequency for wireless systems (WiFi) connected to the fixed high-speed network. It designates a frequency of 14 GHz for possible connection to Internet from aeroplanes (American Airlines is one of the companies who have planned to incorporate this service in the third semestre of this year) and it earmarks the frequency band of 2500 to 2690 megaherz for future developments in third-generation mobile phone systems, known as UMTS.

Wifi Technologies
WiFi is the abbreviation of Wireless Fidelity, a set of guidelines for wireless networks (networks in which communication between components takes place via electromagnetic waves); these adhere to technical specifications in compliance with protocol IEEE 802.11 or WI-FI; this is a standard communications protocol of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE. The IEEE is a global professional association which, among other things, establishes protocols and guidelines of operation for wireless communication systems. Wifi was created for use in local wireless networks of computers, or LAN (Local Area Network), in order to access the internet.
Wifi routers emit a maximum of 100mW, but despite this, they pose a risk to the school-age population when in proximity, in particular to the head, of children of pediatric age, when the brain and nervous system are still forming. Wifi technologies emit when information is transferred. However, connecting by cable gives a better connection and faster speed. Wifi should only be used as a last resort, when it is impossible to establish a connection via cable, and only when absolutely necessary. It should not be installed in children´s bedrooms nor anywhere near the same. It´s true that a wifi router emits a lower frequency (in the order of 100mW, compared with 2W which is emitted by a mobile phone) however, in many companies and educational institutions routers emit in close proximity to people, in particular to their head. People are exposed in a continuous and extensive manner in their workplaces, and in teaching centres during school hours.
The main problem lies in the levels of emission/absorption of pulsating microwaves to which we are exposed. The emissions of wifi systems add to the emissions of mobile phone systems, and are a risk to vulnerable groups such the elderly and children (when these systems are installed in, for example, teaching centres); they also pose a threat to workers in companies where employees are continually exposed to these emissions. One of the emerging risks in the European workplace is electromagnetic waves, which pose physical risks identified as very dangerous in a recent report by the European Risk Observatory for the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work [1] .
Media polemic about the use of wifi technologies began in the UK, after an investigation by the programme Panorama, on the state-owned channel BBC, revealed the dangers that this type of technology can pose for humans. The programme centred its theory on the fact that the emissions created by these radioelectric waves are three times more powerful than those emitted by mobile phone devices, and that potential adverse effects would therefore be proportional to these. The British Department of Health and Safety wants to see an end to the debate between scientists and experts, and instead conduct a systematic study into whether emissions by wifi systems can adversely affect public health; given that in the UK the majority of computers in educational centres are connected via wifi, this is obviously a source of worry for teachers and parents of students.
The International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS), in its international conference: Precautionary EMF Approach: rationale, legislation and implementation, in the city of Benevento, Italy, (22-24th February 2006) arrived at a series of conclusions, which they summarized in the “Benevento Resolution”, in which they suggest: A promotion of alternatives to wireless systems of communication, for example: the use of fibre optic and coaxial cables [2]. ICEMS proposes that all future urban wireless systems (for example WIFI, WIMAX, broadband systems which use cable or electrical wires or similar technologies) should be subjected to a public investigation of the potential exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) which they cause and that, in the case of already installed systems, local councils should ensure that information is available to everyone and is regularly updated.
The University of Lakehead, in Ontario, Canada, has eliminated wifi connections from places where internet connection via optic fibre is not possible. Fred Gilbert, President of the University, is cautious about using such technology, saying "We don´t know what impact the use of electromagnetic waves can have on people". He based this measure on recent studies which show a correlation between cancer cases in animals and humans and these type of electromagnetic fields [3].
On the 20th July 2007, the Federal Ministry of the Environment in Germany indicated that, as a precautionary measure, systems which transfer information by cable would be given precedence over wifi systems. It advised schools and teaching centres to avoid wifi systems when possible.
In September 2007 a group of scientists, researchers and public health policy professionals released a report, named the BioInitiative Report [4]. The European Environment Agency (EEA) contributed to this new report with a chapter drawn from a study by the EEA itself, entitled “Late Lessons from Early Warnings: The Precautionary Principle 1896-2000”, which was published in 2001. The report documents detailled scientific evidence about the health impacts of exposure to electromagnetic radiation which are hundreds or thousands of times below maximum exposure values. The authors revised more than 200 scientific studies and research findings, and concluded that existing limit values for public safety were inadequate to protect public health. From the perspective of public health policy, based on the evidence as a whole, the creation of new maximum exposure limits is justified.
The investigators indicate that the evidence suggests that the biological effects and impacts on health can, and indeed do, occur at minimal levels of exposure, levels which can be thousands of times below existing public safety limits. Radiofrequency or microwave electromagnetic fields can be considered genotoxic (they can damage the DNA of the cells) in certain exposure conditions, including at exposure levels which are below existing safety levels.
They also warn that low levels of exposure can cause cells to produce stress proteins; they believe exposure to this type of emissions is harmful and that there is substancial evidence that they can cause inflammatory and allergic reactions and alter normal immunological functions, at levels which are permitted under existing public exposure limits.
Also in September of that year, the European Environment Agency (EEA) indicated that a review of current EMF exposure limits was necessary, including those emitted by wifi systems, in accordance with the findings of the BioInitiative Working Group [5].
In November 2007, The Board of Health and Safety (CHS) of the Department of Cultural Affairs in the city of Paris voted in favour of a proposal calling for “a moratorium on the installation of wifi in libraries and museums until the health affects of wifi have been confirmed”. Some associations in the city were alleging that wifi frequencies can have genotoxic effects. In December the Parisian City Council deactivated wifi installations in six of the city´s public libraries after workers complained about health problems; they cited the Precautionary Principle as their reason [6].
Professor Olle Johansson, a researcher at the prestigious Institute Karolinska of Stockholm, expressed her concern about the widespread diffusion of wifi systems, and affirmed that there are thousands of scientific articles in existence which refer to the adverse effects of radiofrequencies and microwaves.
In the federal state of Salzburg in Austria, the government has for the past few months been advising schools not to install wifi technologies, and is now considering a ban.

Conclusions
Wi-Fi antennae can be bought on the internet, making the radiation they cause harder to measure than that caused by mobile phone base stations. In practice, no one is monitoring these levels nor the numbers of online users, and anyone can set up a base station in their home. The outlook for the future is truly chaotic if the risks are taken into account.
A moratorium on the installation of wifi, at least in teaching centres, public libraries, universities and public buildings, and their substitution, in workplaces also, for ADSL systems which use coaxial or fibre optic cables, is therefore necessary.
The development of stricter control over the levels of emission/absorption of wifi antennae and systems needs to be a focussed effort involving local and regional government and regional telecommunications inspections, in order to avoid the kind of unrestrained proliferation which occurred with mobile phone systems.

Pedro Belmonte Espejo (Ecologistas en Acción)

[1] Comments by Eusebio Rial, Director of the institution. Europa Press 1/03/2207.
[2] AA. VV: Benevento Resolution 2006. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, Volume 25, Issue 4 2006. pp. 197-200. Francesco Boella, Francesco Mozzo, Francesco Panin, Livio Giuliani: Perspectives in risk management in Italy: the impact of WiMax and Wifi (PP presentation) Foundations of bioelectromagnetics: towards a new rationale for risk assessment and management. 6th ICEMS Workshop, December 17, 2007, Venice, Italy
[3] Lakehead University: wifi policy policies.lakeheadu.ca/policy.php?pid=178
[4] Carl Blackman, USA, Martin Blank, USA, Michael Kundi, Austria, Cindy Sage, USA, et alii: BioInitiative Report: A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF).Release Date: August 31, 2007. 610 pp. www.bioinitiative.org .

Detail : http://www.ecologistasenaccion.org/spip.php?article11598
[5] www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/radiation-risk-from-everyday-devices-assessed. Published: 17 Sep 2007. The Independent. 16/09/2007(UK). The New Zealand Herald 16/09/1007(NZ).
[6] www.news.fr/actualite/societe/0,3800002050,39376062,00.htm

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