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.

It’s even more of a concern if you process and handle card payments.  You have to be PCI DSS compliant or you will face heavy fines or even have a total bar on processing card payments.

With this in mind, we have introduced a service to identify any gaps in security and allow you to take steps to rectify them.

Using Motorola’s Air Defense, the latest in Wireless Intrusion Protection Systems (or WIPS for those who like a snappier name) we can scan your WLAN without actually becoming part of the network.  This scan identifies:

• Any rogue stations/devices/laptops etc. trying to connect to your network
• Any rouge access points which are plugged in to your network via ethernet and creating a wireless path in
• Any wireless security or configuration issues which could potentially create a security issue

As part of the service you will receive a report highlighting any issues and initial steps to tackle them.

This is a great service for those who would like an assessment of their WLAN but can’t afford the time or expense in assessing it themselves.

However it is important to note that this is not a full WIPS or PCI DSS compliancy service.  This service is purely a snapshot of the current security status of your WLAN.

For the launch of this service, we are offering the first 50 bookings absolutely free.

To book your scan, contact us on 01925 295 400 or sales@jadeonline.co.uk.

“Ekahau RTLS is the only Wi-Fi-based location tracking solution that can operate over any brand or generation of Wi-Fi network while offering room-, floor- and building-level accuracy,” says Mark Brackley, Managing Director of Jade Communications. “Because the Ekahau system relies on existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, it offers superior tracking accuracy at a fraction of what proprietary systems cost and does not disrupt day-to-day business operations.”

“We are delighted to have appointed Jade Communications as an appointed Reseller of Ekahau RTLS Solutions in the UK,” says Barry Read, Business Development Manager, Ekahau. “Their knowledge of RFID and wireless networks combined with their deep understanding of customer needs in retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and other industries makes them an ideal partner for UK applications of Ekahau real-time location tracking and communication systems.”

Ekahau solutions provide the easiest, most cost effective and accurate positioning solutions for locating people, assets, inventory and other objects using existing Wi-Fi networks. They track wireless laptops, PDAs, VOIP phones, Wi-Fi tags and other 802.11 enabled devices in real time. Ekahau RTLS does not require installation of proprietary wireless infrastructure. It can be done individually over the private Wi-Fi network, keeping deployment cost to a minimum and helping to speed overall system payback time.

For more information visit: http://www.jadeonline.co.uk/supplier/ekahau/ekahau-demo.php