Firms 'neglect WLAN security'

Many firms do not pay enough attention to the security of their wireless local area networks (WLAN), according to an industry expert. Amit Sinha, fellow and chief technologist of Motorola Enterprise Wireless LAN, said many businesses do not realise how vulnerable their internet connections can be. In some cases, companies are unaware of potential hazards such as misconfigurations, rogue WLAN devices and poor policy enforcement. Additionally, Mr Sinha suggested many firms are resistant to looking into these issues as they believe it will be a costly process, especially given the current economic climate. "From a WLAN perspective, the use of secure WLAN infrastructure coupled with 24/7 wireless monitoring and policy enforcement is needed," he concluded. Mr Sinha's comments follow the publication of the Motorola Enterprise Mobility, which suggested 30 per cent of firms use any kind of wireless intrusion prevention system. Additionally, 58 per cent of firms spend more than two hours each week seeking rogue access points.