Security Basics mailing list archives

RE: wireless security question.


From: "Keith T. Morgan" <keith.morgan () terradon com>
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 13:28:21 -0500



1) Folks who rely on other security measures - IPsec being 
the most obvious

IPSEC is good.

5) 128 bit WEP on as deterent.  is it worth the effort - low security 
requirements.  somewhat 404 (see 3), but not too bad if you 
know what you are 
doing.


I say layer your security.  Enjoy the attacker's dissapointment when he FINALLY cracks that key, and all he can see is 
ESP and ISAKMP key exchanges.  WEP+IPSEC is good stuff.


In the case of 1) how would one stop external users using the 
APs as private 
network bridges? 

MAC address locking may help here.  Though, it's a fairly trivial layer of security, as you can usually reset your mac 
address to one that's authorized.  Though the damage associated with an attacker using your WAP as a network bridge, or 
for thier own personal use between two or more nodes is far less severe than having them punch a hole into the soft 
chewy center of things.


In the case of 6) how does one distribute the WEP keys at 
each update?  



Don't have an answer here.  AFAIK, that still has to be done manually.  Coaching a normal user through WEP key changes 
on a regular basis sounds like a nightmare in a large network.  Ugh.  Any WiFi vendors listening?  Key exchange daemons 
in the works anywhere?

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