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A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume IV, Issue 9 | September 2001 |
The new "fad" network is the "wireless" network. This network is based on radio frequency broadcasts from a base station to a receiver. The receiver is then connected to the Internet or other servers by conventional wiring. These wireless networks are cropping up in airports, hotels, and even coffeehouses like Starbuck’s. The reason is that wireless networks are quick and easy to deploy, and are, in most cases, less expensive than wired networks.
There is a danger in these networks however. If you plug your laptop into one of these wireless networks, the information that you send from your computer is broadcast to the receiver. It is easy for a hacker to listen in to the broadcast, just as you would tune your car radio to a new radio station. That confidential information that you just sent back to the office is now in the hands of someone who you did not want to have it.
The answer to this problem is to use encryption. Ideally, the network transmitters and receivers would include encryption modules so all information would be encrypted. Even this, however is suspect at times, because certain encryption algorithms used in some wireless networks are flawed, and easy to decrypt, offering little protection over an unencrypted transmission.
Business travelers should always make use of VPN (Virtual Private Network) software if available for connecting to their home office. The Bureau of Information Services does offer VPN software, which is required for connecting to the State of Maine WAN over the Internet via a DSL or Cable modem, or other Internet connection. The software installs on your laptop or desktop computer. You can then connect to the firewall through a secure connection. Anyone "listening in" on your transmission will see only encrypted information from your computer to the firewall.
Chad Perkins’ "Road Warrior" article on connectivity through the firewall provides more information on using VPNs.
You can also find more information on security issues related to wireless networks go to: http://cnet.com/news/0-1004-200-6773189.html?tag=rltdnws.
Bob Witham may be reached by e-mailing Robert.L.Witham.Jr@state.me.us with questions or comments.
