6 Wireless Linux Security
The saying goes that a chain is only as strong as its weekest link and
network security is no exception to this rule. In previous chapters
we've looked a number of places where you can improve the level of
security of your Linux system. We will now look at another area of
Linux security that, if not implemented correctly, will make all the
other security precautions ineffective. This is the area of wireless
security.
Home and business networks are now increasingly going wireless. This
has many benefits primarily in terms of convenience. Wireless networks
mean that network cable doesn't have to run wherever a computer needs
to be installed and you can get network and internet access anywhere as
long as you are within the range of wireless base station. This,
for example, gives users freedom to use their laptops in places in a
building where there is no network connection available.
There is one big draw back to wireless networks in that they provide
another point of security vulnerability in the network. No matter how
secure you have made you have
made your firewall and your Linux system if you have not also secured
your wireless network a hacker can very easily eaves drop and monitor
all the traffic on your network to get information such as system
passwords and bank
account login and password information. Even worse, if your wireless
network is wide open intruders can connect to your network and
potentially access all of your systems.
Carefully configuring
your firewall and Linux system whilst leaving your wireless network
unprotected is akin to locking the front door of your house but leaving
the windows open.
Fortunately securing a wireless network is straightforward and can be
implemented with a few simple steps. In this chapter we will explore
the world of wireless security and show you how to ensure your wireless
network is as secure is at can be made with current wireless technology.
