Chapter 4 – Communication Security: Wireless

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses wireless technologies for the Security+ exam, as well as to be an efficient security analyst. The widespread popularity and use of wireless networks and technologies has grown tremendously over the last few years. Providing secure wireless networking environments has become paramount in both public and private sectors. Wireless networks can be very insecure if specific measures are not taken to properly manage them; however, securing them is not impossible. Connecting to a wireless network is often transparent to users; from their perspective it is no different than connecting to a copper-based or fiber-based Ethernet network, with the exception that no wires are involved. Windows XP supports automatic configuration and seamless roaming from one wireless network to another through its “Wireless Zero Configuration” service. The ease with which users can connect to wireless networks contradicts the complexity of the technology and the differences between the two kinds of networks.