DOCSLIB.ORG

NIST SP 800-97, Establishing Wireless Robust Security Networks

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
NIST SP 800-97, Establishing Wireless Robust Security Networks Special Publication 800-97 Establishing Wireless Robust Security Networks: A Guide to IEEE 802.11i Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Sheila Frankel Bernard Eydt Les Owens Karen Scarfone NIST Special Publication 800-97 Establishing Wireless Robust Security Networks: A Guide to IEEE 802.11i Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Sheila Frankel, Bernard Eydt, Les Owens, Karen Scarfone C O M P U T E R S E C U R I T Y Computer Security Division Information Technology Laboratory National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930 February 2007 U.S. Department of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary Technology Administration Robert C. Cresanti, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology National Institute of Standards and Technology William Jeffrey, Director ESTABLISHING WIRELESS ROBUST SECURITY NETWORKS: A GUIDE TO IEEE 802.11I Reports on Computer Systems Technology The Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) promotes the U.S. economy and public welfare by providing technical leadership for the nation’s measurement and standards infrastructure. ITL develops tests, test methods, reference data, proof of concept implementations, and technical analysis to advance the development and productive use of information technology. ITL’s responsibilities include the development of technical, physical, administrative, and management standards and guidelines for the cost-effective security and privacy of sensitive unclassified information in Federal computer systems. This Special Publication 800-series reports on ITL’s research, guidance, and outreach efforts in computer security and its collaborative activities with industry, government, and academic organizations. National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-97 Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Spec. Publ. 800-97, 162 pages (February 2007) Certain commercial entities, equipment, or materials may be identified in this document in order to describe an experimental procedure or concept adequately. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor is it intended to imply that the entities, materials, or equipment are necessa rily the best available for the purpose. ii ESTABLISHING WIRELESS ROBUST SECURITY NETWORKS: A GUIDE TO IEEE 802.11I Acknowledgements The authors, Sheila Frankel and Karen Scarfone of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Bernard Eydt and Les Owens of Booz Allen Hamilton, wish to thank their colleagues who reviewed drafts of this document and contributed to its technical content. The authors would like to acknowledge Tim Grance, Lily Chen, Tim Polk and Randy Easter of NIST, and Alexis Feringa, Thomas Fuhrman, and Marc Stevens of Booz Allen Hamilton, for their keen and insightful assistance throughout the development of the document. The authors appreciate the detailed, perceptive in-depth comments provided by wireless experts Matthew Gast, Jesse Walker (Intel) and Nancy Cam-Winget (Cisco). The authors would also like to express their thanks to Bernard Aboba (Microsoft), Randy Chou (Aruba Networks), Ryon Coleman (3e Technologies), Paul Dodd (Boeing), Dean Farrington (Wells Fargo), Ben Halpert (Lockheed Martin), Criss Hyde, Timothy Kramer (Joint Systems Integration Command), W. J. Miller (MaCT), and Robert Smith (Juniper Networks) for their particularly valuable comments and suggestions. Trademark Information Microsoft, Windows, and Windows XP are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Cisco and Cisco IOS are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the United States and certain other countries. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED is a trademark the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. iii ESTABLISHING WIRELESS ROBUST SECURITY NETWORKS: A GUIDE TO IEEE 802.11I Table of Contents Executive Summary..............................................................................................................ES-1 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................1-1 1.1 Authority...................................................................................................................1-1 1.2 Purpose and Scope .................................................................................................1-1 1.3 Audience ..................................................................................................................1-1 1.4 Document Structure .................................................................................................1-1 1.5 How to Navigate This Document .............................................................................1-2 2. Overview of Wireless Networking ..................................................................................2-1 2.1 History of Wireless Networking Standards...............................................................2-1 2.1.1 IEEE 802.11 Standards ................................................................................2-1 2.1.2 Wi-Fi Alliance Certification............................................................................2-2 2.1.3 Other Wireless Standards ............................................................................2-3 2.2 IEEE 802.11 Network Components and Architectural Models.................................2-4 2.2.1 Ad Hoc Mode................................................................................................2-4 2.2.2 Infrastructure Mode ......................................................................................2-6 2.3 Summary..................................................................................................................2-6 3. Overview of IEEE 802.11 Security ..................................................................................3-1 3.1 WLAN Security Concerns ........................................................................................3-1 3.2 History of Pre-RSN IEEE 802.11 Security ...............................................................3-2 3.2.1 Access Control and Authentication...............................................................3-2 3.2.2 Encryption.....................................................................................................3-4 3.2.3 Data Integrity ................................................................................................3-5 3.2.4 Replay Protection .........................................................................................3-6 3.2.5 Availability.....................................................................................................3-6 3.3 Brief Overview of IEEE 802.11i Security..................................................................3-6 3.4 Summary..................................................................................................................3-9 4. Security Framework for Robust Security Networks .....................................................4-1 4.1 Features of RSNs ....................................................................................................4-1 4.2 Key Hierarchies and Key Distribution and Management .........................................4-3 4.2.1 Pairwise Key Hierarchy ................................................................................4-4 4.2.2 Group Key Hierarchy ....................................................................................4-7 4.3 Overview of RSN Data Confidentiality and Integrity Protocols ................................4-7 4.3.1 Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)........................................................4-8 4.3.2 Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining MAC Protocol (CCMP)............4-10 4.4 Summary................................................................................................................4-14 5. Robust Security Networks Principles of Operation......................................................5-1 5.1 General Principles of IEEE 802.11 Operation..........................................................5-1 5.1.1 IEEE 802.11 Frame Types ...........................................................................5-1 5.1.2 IEEE 802.11 Data Frame Structure..............................................................5-3 5.2 Phases of IEEE 802.11 RSN Operation ..................................................................5-5 5.3 Discovery Phase ......................................................................................................5-6 5.3.1 Establishing a Security Policy.......................................................................5-7 5.3.2 Discovery Phase Frame Flows.....................................................................5-9 iv ESTABLISHING WIRELESS ROBUST SECURITY NETWORKS: A GUIDE TO IEEE 802.11I 5.3.3 Distinguishing RSN and Pre-RSN WLANs .................................................5-11 5.4 Authentication Phase .............................................................................................5-12 5.4.1 The IEEE 802.1X Framework: Port-Based Access Control........................5-12 5.4.2 Authentication with the PSK .......................................................................5-14 5.4.3 AS to AP Connections ................................................................................5-15
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Understanding Wireless Security on Your Spectralink 84-Series
    Best Practices Understanding Wireless Security on Your Spectralink Spectralink 84-Series Wireless Phones Spectralink’s 84-Series wireless phones meet the highest security requirements. By the time you deploy your 84-Series wireless phones, most of your basic security issues have already been ironed out by AP vendors and security servers to conform to federal regulations in place to protect personal privacy. Medical information, for example, is protected by HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) or PCI (Payment Card Industry). If you have general security questions after the deployment of your 84-Series phone, this best practices document should have the answers, or at least point you in the right direction. System Affected 84-Series Handsets Some Basics About Encryption and Authentication On Wi-Fi networks there can be a trade-off between good security and good audio. The most rigorous enterprise-level security can protect against eavesdropping and unauthorized toll calls, but it can also increase server demand, resulting in latency and audio packet loss. Implementing less robust, personal-level security measures will reduce server processing demands, ease configuration, and smooth audio flow through your network, but may not provide adequate security for many enterprise Wi-Fi networks. The good news: Proper configuration of 84-Series phones offers the best of both worlds, ensuring excellent audio in the most robust security environments. Table 1 highlights the correlation between security and audio relating to various Wi-Fi encryption and authentication techniques, with considerations for configuring the phones for the best security and audio. Number? March 2015 Best Practices Understanding Wireless Security Table 1: Enterprise Environment Security Trade-Offs Wireless Security in Audio Ease of Configuration and Other General Information Security Enterprise Method Environments WEP Poor Excellent Easy to administer, little processing overhead, adequate security for many home wi-fi networks.
    [Show full text]
  • Security Gateway Overview
    Security Gateway Overview This chapter contains general overview information about the Security Gateway (SecGW) running on an VPC-DI Virtualized Service Module (VSM) as a VPC-VSM instance. The following topics are covered in this chapter: • Product Overview, page 1 • Network Deployment, page 3 • Packet Flow, page 4 • Standards, page 4 Product Overview The SecGW is a high-density IP Security (IPSec) gateway for mobile wireless carrier networks. It is typically used to secure backhaul traffic between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the operator core network. IPSec is an open standards set that provides confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for data between IP layer peers. The SecGW uses IPSec-protected tunnels to connect outside endpoints. SecGW implements the parts of IKE/IPSec required for its role in mobile networks. The following types of LTE traffic may be carried over encrypted IPSec tunnels in the Un-trusted access domain: • S1-C and S1-U: Control and User Traffic between eNodeB and EPC • X2-C and X2-U: Control and User Traffic between eNodeBs during Handoff SecGW Administration Guide, StarOS Release 21.3 1 Security Gateway Overview SecGW Application • SPs typically carry only Control Traffic, however there exists a case for carrying non-Internet User traffic over secured tunnels Figure 1: SecGW Implementation SecGW Application The StarOS-based Security Gateway (SecGW) application is a solution for Remote-Access (RAS) and Site-to-Site (S2S) mobile network environments. It is implemented via StarOS as a WSG (Wireless Security Gateway) service that leverages the IPSec features supported by StarOS. For complete descriptions of supported IPSec features, see the IPSec Reference.
    [Show full text]
  • Design and Implementation of IEEE 802.11I in Wire1x
    Design and Implementation of IEEE 802.11i in WIRE1x Yuan-Yao Shih, Ming-Hung Yang, Shih-Chieh Liao, Chien-Chia Chen, Jui-Yi Chen, Yi-Ken Ho, and Jyh-Cheng Chen Wireless Internet Research and Engineering Laboratory National Tsing Hua University Hsinchu, Taiwan November 15, 2007 Abstract This document presents the design and implementation of IEEE 802.11i in WIRE1x. The implementation is integrated into WIRE1x version 2.2, and later versions. WIRE1x is an open- source implementation of IEEE 802.1x client (supplicant) developed by the Wireless Internet Research & Engineering (WIRE) Laboratory, National Tsing Hua University. IEEE 802.11i spe- cifies security mechanisms for wireless LANs. The 802.11i uses 802.1X for authentication and Robust Security Network (RSN) for keeping track of associations. It also includes two algo- rithms, Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and Counter mode with CBC-MAC Protocol (CCMP), to enhance the encryption. 1. Introduction The Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) has become more popular and commonly used in recent years. The traditional wired network that uses physical lines provides poor mobility. In addition, the WLAN provides great mobility, which is the best advantage. The transmission medium of the WLAN is the air. Data are transmitted through radio, which means everyone who is within the range of the radio can intercept the data that only you should receive. In order to secure the WLAN data transmission, IEEE 802.11 standards define Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which intends to provide the confidentiality as the wired network does. Unfortunately, WEP connection can be cracked with software within minutes because of several serious weaknesses.
    [Show full text]
  • Wireless Security Evolution
    Wireless Security Evolution Kevin Hayes Distinguished Engineer Atheros Communications AboutAbout myselfmyself Engineer for Atheros Communications since 2000 Interests in OS and systems design, L2/L3 networking, QoS and security Participant/Contributor to IEEE 802.11 TGf (Inter Access Point Protocols) TGi (WLAN Security) TGk (Radio system measurement) TGn (High rate WLAN) TGr (Fast, secure handoff) TGs (WLAN mesh) TGw (Security for WLAN Management Frames) 2 WirelessWireless isis RockingRocking OurOur World!World! Devices Traditional WLAN connectivity (laptops, APs) CE devices Sony PSP, Microsoft Zune, Satellite+WLAN media players, … VOIP phones Services Hotspot connectivity Gateways controlled by service providers Video distribution – IPTV Skype and other voice services Other streaming services – iTunes, Rhapsody See http://www.wi-fi.org for list of WFA certified devices 3 We’veWe’ve beenbeen herehere beforebefore Circa 1994, connection was king, no security awareness Connection speed was measurement of connection quality 19.2 Kbps…woo-hoo! No e-commerce, No SSL Rare for brick-n-mortar enterprise to have Net presence, let alone a firewall Today, we have reasonable Net security. But the WLAN cometh: >60% home wireless networks unsecured Wireless usage model presents new opportunities to attackers Many more threats than before Users expect wireless connections to add no new security exposure We need standards to design security into WLANs 4 802.11802.11 backgroundbackground IEEE 802.11 is a subset of IEEE 802 LAN
    [Show full text]
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access: Strong, Standards-Based, Interoperable Security for Today's Wi-Fi Networks Wi-Fi Alliance April 29, 2
    Wi-Fi Protected Access: Strong, standards-based, interoperable security for today’s Wi-Fi networks Wi-Fi Alliance April 29, 2003 © 2003 Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance Executive Summary The Wi-Fi Alliance, working in conjunction with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), has brought a strong interoperable Wi-Fi security specification to market in the form of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). WPA greatly increases the level of over-the-air data protection and access control on existing and future Wi-Fi networks. It addresses all known weaknesses of Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), the original native security mechanism in the 802.11 standard. Although no security solution can claim to be “bullet-proof,” WPA represents a quantum leap forward in Wi-Fi security. WPA is built on standards-based interoperable security enhancements. It brings forward features of the forthcoming IEEE 802.11i standard that can be implemented immediately. WPA not only provides strong data encryption to correct WEP’s weaknesses, it adds user authentication which was largely missing in WEP. WPA is designed to secure all versions of 802.11 devices, including 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g, multi-band and multi-mode. As a subset of 802.11i (also known as WPA2), WPA is both forward and backward-compatible and is designed to run on existing Wi-Fi devices as a software download. .As such, WPA devices should work well with the WPA2 devices expected to appear in the market in 2004. The Wi-Fi Alliance, which conducts interoperability tests on Wi-Fi devices, is now testing devices for WPA interoperability.
    [Show full text]
  • View Full Paper
    International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 3, Issue 11, November 2013 1 ISSN 2250-3153 Enhanced Security Evaluation and Analysis of Wireless Network based on MAC Protocol MOHD IZHAR*, MOHD. SHAHID**, DR. V.R.SINGH*** * HMR Inst. of Tech. & Mgt,& Ph.D. Scholar of Mewar University ** Ph.D. Scholar of Mewar University, *** Recognised Supervisor of Mewar University Abstract- IEEE 802.11-2007 Standard for wireless network RSNA and RSNA methods in order to migrate from pre-RSNA classifies security algorithms into: RSNA and Pre-RSNA. Pre- to RSNA methods and making more secure RSNA methods. RSNA algorithms are the algorithms used before RSNA. Pre- RSNA security comprises the algorithms; WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and IEEE 802.11 entity authentication. RSNA security comprises the algorithms like TKIP, CCMP, RSNA establishment and termination procedures, including use of IEEE 802.1X authentication, key management procedures and providing mechanisms for protecting management frames. All Pre-RSNA Methods fail to meet their security goals and are deprecated except for Open System authentication after that RSNA comes in the picture. This Paper evaluates why pre-RSNA methods fail for providing security to wireless Networks. This analysis is necessary to migrate to RSNA and making more highly secure and reliable RSNA methods. Security features and Fig 1 : Broad Classificaiton of Security Protocol capabilities associated with IEEE 802.11i through its framework for Robust Security Networks (RSN) are explained here and can I. BACKGROUND be used as guidance on the planning and deployment of RSNs. Wired equivalent Privacy Index Terms- RSNA (Robust Security Network Association), WEP-40(40-bit key) is defined as a means of protecting the Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance confidentiality of data exchanged among authorized users of a (CSMA/CA), Counter mode with Cipher-block chaining WLAN from casual eavesdropping.
    [Show full text]
  • Bluetooth Security: Protecting Wireless Networks and Devices
    BLUETOOTH SECURITY: PROTECTING WIRELESS NETWORKS AND DEVICES Shirley Radack, Editor Computer Security Division Information Technology Laboratory National Institute of Standards and Technology Wireless devices and networks provide practical, cost effective access to online information and to voice communications for many people. Bluetooth technology, which was originally developed in the 1990s, is the foundation for wireless personal area networks (WPAN), also referred to as ad hoc or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Bluetooth technology has been integrated into many types of business and consumer devices, such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), laptops, automobiles, printers, and headsets. With their wireless devices, users are able to form ad hoc networks that support voice and data communications. They can share applications between devices, and send information to their printers and other peripheral devices without the need for cable connections. Using PDAs and cell phones, users can update and synchronize their personal databases in address books and calendars that are on different devices, and they can gain access to network services such as wireless e-mail and Web browsing. All of these capabilities offer innovative approaches and cost savings for government, retail, manufacturing, public safety and many other applications. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently issued a new guide to Bluetooth technology and to the security issues that are related to the use of Bluetooth devices. The new publication updates an earlier publication that dealt with security for Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 standard wireless technologies. See the More Information section at the end of this bulletin for other NIST publications dealing with wireless network security issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Wi-Fi Security Protocols
    International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) ISSN: 2278-0181 Vol. 2 Issue 12, December - 2013 Comparative Analysis: Wi-Fi Security Protocols Mayank Verma Jitendra Yadav M.Tech Scholar Assistant Professor JECRC University JECRC University Abstract: In recent years, various wireless LAN without needing them to be facing one another. technologies have gained rapid popularity and Wi-Fi Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have achieved a tremendous amount of growth in recent years. can be cited as most prominent or proficient Between various WLAN technologies, the IEEE technology today. Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity 802.11b based wireless LAN technology, Wireless and it operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz radio Fidelity (Wi-Fi), can be cited as most prominent spectrum, support variable data rates and it is used to technology today. define the wireless technology in the IEEE 802.11b In a perfect world, without wires we could, “send a standard. Wireless network provides many advantages lot of data, very far, very fast, for many separate uses, like mobility, cut costs but it is coupled with many and all at once”. Unfortunately, we do not live in a security threats such as replay attack, eaves dropping, perfect world; there are physical barriers that will not denial of services attack etc. The threats of intrusion allow all of these goals to occur simultaneously [1]. When form front a wireless LAN, it is very important into the wireless network have forced user to adopt a to set up secure methods for encryption and range of security. authentication so that the network can be used by This paper presents an analysis of the three security those devices or individuals that are authorized.
    [Show full text]
  • Wireless Security: an Overview
    Communications of the Association for Information Systems (Volume 9, 2002) 269-282 269 WIRELESS SECURITY: AN OVERVIEW Robert J. Boncella Washburn University [email protected] ABSTRACT The physical transport methods used in wireless communication differ from wired communication. These differences affect how a secure channel can be established in a wireless environment. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide an overview of how a secure channel is set up in a wireless environment that uses the 802.11 or WAP standards. KEYWORDS: WLAN Security, WTLS, WAP, WEP, 802.11b I. INTRODUCTION Wireless and mobile networks are rapidly extending their capabilities. In addition to their increasing bandwidth and because of their flexibility and freedom they are becoming the communication infrastructure of choice. Wireless communication provides a user the capability of conducting commerce at anytime, with nearly anyone, from anywhere, using a mobile communication channel. This mobile communication channel can also be used as an access method to the Internet. As wireless communication and the Internet become truly interoperable, users will want this communication channel to be secure and available when needed. For a message sent using this communication channel, the user expects assurance of: • authentication (the sender and receiver are who they say they are); • confidentiality (the message cannot be understood except by the receiver); and • integrity (the message was not altered). The goal of this tutorial is to provide an overview of what is required to provide a secure communication channel in a wireless environment. The focus is on the security techniques available for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) and for wireless devices (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • 802.11I Overview Date: 2005-02-09
    February 2005 doc.: IEEE 802.11-04/0123r1 802.11i Overview Date: 2005-02-09 Authors: Name Company Address Phone email Clint Chaplin Symbol Technologies 6480 Via Del Oro, San +1(408)528-2766 [email protected] Jose, CA, USA 95119- 1208 Emily Qi Intel Corporation JF3-206, 2111 N.E. 25th +1-503-264-7799 [email protected] Ave., Hillsboro, OR, USA 97124 Henry Ptasinski Broadcom 190 Matilda Place, +1-408-543-3316 [email protected] Sunnyvale, CA, USA 94086 Jesse Walker Intel Corporation JF3-206, 2111 N.E. 25th +1-503-712-1849 [email protected] Ave, Hillsboro, OR, USA 97214 Sheung Li Atheros 529 Almanor Ave, +1-408-773-5295 [email protected] Communications Sunnyvale, CA, USA Notice: This document has been prepared to assist IEEE 802.11. It is offered as a basis for discussion and is not binding on the contributing individual(s) or organization(s). The material in this document is subject to change in form and content after further study. The contributor(s) reserve(s) the right to add, amend or withdraw material contained herein. Release: The contributor grants a free, irrevocable license to the IEEE to incorporate material contained in this contribution, and any modifications thereof, in the creation of an IEEE Standards publication; to copyright in the IEEE’s name any IEEE Standards publication even though it may include portions of this contribution; and at the IEEE’s sole discretion to permit others to reproduce in whole or in part the resulting IEEE Standards publication. The contributor also acknowledges and accepts that this contribution may be made public by IEEE 802.11.
    [Show full text]
  • Wireless Security Policy
    The City of New York CITYWIDE INFORMATION SECURITY POLICY Wireless Security Policy The Policy Wireless devices or networks used to access, store, process, or transmit City of New York information or access Citynet must be implemented in a secure manner. Background Wireless devices and networks enable un-tethered communications to mobile users. Improperly installed, configured or managed wireless technology presents a significant risk to the confidentiality of information. Wireless network security refers to the protection of wireless network hardware, software, and the information contained in them from threats caused by the inherent vulnerabilities in the technology and its implementation. Scope This policy applies to all wireless devices, networks, services, and technologies used to access, store, process or transmit city information or connect to Citynet. The term “wireless” refers to any technology that does not use cables. Wireless includes radio frequency (i.e. satellite, microwave, radio) and optical (i.e. infrared) technologies. Wireless networks include both wireless local area networks (WLANs) and wireless wide area networks. Wireless devices are any end-user device that uses wireless technology to communicate. These include but are not limited to: Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, laptop computers, printers, wireless keyboards, wireless mice or trackballs, and bar code scanners Wireless Network Nodes are network elements that terminate one end of the wireless communication. That communication may be between
    [Show full text]
  • Wi-Fi Hotspots: Secure Or Ripe for Fraud?
    Journal of Forensic & Investigative Accounting Vol. 5, Issue 2, July - December, 2013 Wi-Fi Hotspots: Secure or Ripe for Fraud? Richard G. Brody* Kyle Gonzales Dustin Oldham In today‟s society, Wi-Fi has become one of the most popular ways to access the Internet. Organizations have implemented “Free public Wi-Fi” to attract consumers, and increase the duration of time the consumer will spend within the business. According to Aroon (2010), “As of March 22, 2010 there were 296,732 free and pay Wi-Fi locations in 145 countries… [t]he United States leads the world with 72,156 hot spots” (para. 2). The most common places that utilize these hotspots are coffee shops, airports, and hotels. The amount of traffic and lack of security inherent in public wireless hotspots creates a perfect environment for individuals to commit fraudulent activities. In fact, Potter (2006) states “[w]hen users use a wireless network, they give up a foundational piece of information security: the physical layer” (p. 54). In order to explore this issue we will first examine why the data collected on unsecure wireless networks is such a large target for fraudsters and how the captured information is used to commit fraud. Next we will discuss the primary methods used to conduct attacks on public networks in order to harvest sensitive information. Finally, we will address the mitigating practices that individuals can implement to ensure privacy and reduce their risk of becoming a victim of fraud. *The authors are, respectively, Douglas Minge Brown Professor of Accounting, and Graduates of the Information Assurance Program at Anderson School of Management in University of New Mexico.
    [Show full text]