Wireless LAN Security in a SOHO Environment: A Holistic Approach

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2006 in the subject Computer Science - IT-Security, grade: 1.7, University of Wales, Newport, (North East Wales Institute of Higher Education), language: English, abstract: This paper addresses the theory and reality of Wi-Fi security. It provides an overview of security mechanisms and explains how security works in wireless networks. The most important security protocols that are relevant for small office or home office environments are looked upon in more detail. The security of a real-world wireless network is being tested with freely available tools and popular attacking methods. It is demonstrated that old security protocols can no longer be seen as being secure at all. To create a holistic view the idea of Wi-Fi security is then expanded to include the physical level. A series of experiments provides insight on how to make a network more secure with materials and tools available in every household. A WLAN that is nearly unreachable outside the perimeter does not attract any potential hackers. The paper concludes with recommendations on where to place your access point and what can be done to shield it.