Wireless network security - a discussion from a business perspective

Computer networks have come a long way since their inception, and wireless networks are the new trend in the IT market. However, every new technology comes with several advantages and disadvantages. This paper addresses some of the key advances and some of the shortcomings of wireless networks security. It reviews various types of security levels currently offered by standard wireless networks, such as the wired equivalent privacy (WEP); the Wi-Fi protected access (WPA); and 802.11 - the latter defined as the ultimate security available for wireless networks to date. The paper also lists benefits of wireless networks and examples of cost savings. Corporations have been found to consider wireless installations based on the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) scenarios. In addition to general financial benefits, wireless networks have their own performance benefits such as, for example, increases in data accuracy, and increases in user productivity. There are few industries that have expanded their boundaries in the wireless arena: financial, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and airports (travel). With security being one of the major concerns irrespective of the industry type, the authors highlight factors that senior and mid level IT management should consider when implementing wireless networks. The success story of General Motors investment in wireless LANs factories presents a best practice for WLANs implementations. In the conclusions, questions still open and opportunities for future research are discussed.