Wireless network security testing

Policies or no policies, though, the truth is that most organizations have more wireless systems -- especially more unsecured wireless systems -- running than they ever bargained for. There is planned wireless connectivity in training rooms, reception areas, and satellite offices as well as unplanned/rogue wireless in the form of Windows laptops running in ad-hoc mode and an access point set up by an employee for the sake of convenience. Or, there could be a malicious attacker running an "evil twin" access point to lure wireless users into his den of iniquity.

Whether or not you officially support wireless networks, various wireless security testing measures need to be on your security review checklist. Not doing so seems awfully risky given that most new computer systems have wireless built right in. This need for testing for wireless issues stands true even if you think your local airwaves are clear of network protocols or you only have one access point tucked away where nobody can get to it.

Even if you do support wireless and you think it's secure, unless you're running a wireless IDS or IPS system, it's likely you have vulnerabilities that a malicious external attacker or a rogue insider could exploit. Here's what you can do about it.