According to Network World, Japanese researchers have cracked the WPA wireless security program in less than 60 seconds.  WPA (or Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a wireless security program introduced by the Wi-Fi alliance when it became apparent that there were serious weaknesses in WEP (or Wired Equivalent Privacy).

Namely, the researchers exposed a flaw in the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (or TKIP) by placing a computer between an authorised computer and an access point.  A flaw had been known in TKIP previously which could be exploited within 12-15 minutes, however the new ‘crack’ has brought about some urgency in updating any aging wireless security systems which use TKIP.

So what does this mean for you?

PCI DSS guidelines recommend the use of WPA in an effort to become PCI compliant.  If you have taken steps to become PCI compliant,  your wireless network(s) may use WPA encryption.

WPA2 and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) remain unaffected by this finding, so if you employ this standard in your wireless LAN, you need not worry.

However, if you employ WPA, the recommendation is to upgrade as soon as possible to ensure that your wireless network is safe from intrusion.  It is also wise to employ software which can detect wireless intrusions on your network and protect itself from any hacking attacks.

Jade offer a wide range of wireless services, such as a free WIPS scan, which can identify any potential flaws in your wireless network and recommend next steps to rectify the problems.  Our Technical Services team can also reconfigure and install new wireless hardware on your premises.

Book a wireless health check from Jade today and safeguard your wireless network from hackers.  Call 01925 295 400 or email sales@jadeonline.co.uk.

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Posted by Lee Hoosein on September 2nd, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN
Tags :: wifi networks, wireless network, Wireless Security, WLAN
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