Wireless Local Area Network Security

Abstract

The specification and broad adoption of strong AES-based encryption and data authentication and strong end user authentication in IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems provide strong link layer security. Since the wireless link for data traffic is secure, standards work now turns to the protection of management frames and implementers look to deploy intrusion detection tools, while attackers look for implementation-flaw based attacks, such as “fuzzing”. This chapter discusses the topics of WLAN link security, key management, end user authentication, standards, wireless driver vulnerability attacks and wireless intrusion detection techniques. Introduction The level of required security in a system changes over time, as technology and export regulations change and as the processing capabilities of both valid users and potential attackers increase. One static aspect, however, is the need for end users to adhere to recommended security practices, such as keeping up-to-date virus software and intrusion detection software on their laptops or client devices. There are conflicting requirements of security and convenience. End users desire a simple, quick logon using stored passwords on client devices; however, for stronger authentication, particularly in enterprise networks, two separate credentials from the user, a password and a time-changing code are typically required. This is similar to the credentials required to withdraw cash from an ATM, you must present both a password (something you know) and the appropriate ATM card (something you have).