Dear Reader,
Designing for Detection
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- Get the right equipment from the start. Make sure all of the features you need, or will need, are available from the start.
- Know your environment. Identify potential physical barriers and possible sources of interference.
- If possible, integrate security monitoring and intrusion detection in your network from its inception.
Defensive Monitoring Considerations
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- Define your wireless network boundaries, and monitor to know if they=92re being exceeded.
- Limit signal strength to contain your network.
- Make a list of all authorized wireless Access Points (APs) in your environment. Knowing what=92s there can help you
immediately identify rogue APs.
Intrusion Detection Strategies
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- Watch for unauthorized traffic on your network. Odd traffic can be a warning sign.
- Choose an intrusion detection software that best suits the needs of your environment. Make sure it supports customizable
and updateable signatures.
- Keep your signature files current.Whether modifying them yourself, or downloading updates from the manufacturer, make sure
this step isn=92t forgotten.
Conducting Vulnerability Assessments
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- Use tools like NetStumbler and various client software to measure the strength of your 802.11b signal.
- Identify weaknesses in your wireless and wired security infrastructure.
- Use the findings to know where to fortify your defenses.
- Increase monitoring of potential trouble spots.
Incident Response and Handling
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- If you already have a standard incident response policy, make updates to it to reflect new potential wireless incidents.
- Great incident response policy templates can be found on the Internet.
- While updating the policy for wireless activity, take the opportunity to review the policy in its entirety, and make
changes where necessary to stay current. An out-of-date incident response policy can be as damaging as not having one at all.
Conducting Site Surveys for Rogue Access Points
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- The threat is real, so be prepared. Have a notebook computer handy to use specifically for scanning networks.
- Conduct walkthroughs of your premises regularly, even if you don=92t have a wireless network.
- Keep a list of all authorized APs. Remember, Rogue APs aren=92t necessarily only placed by attackers.A well-meaning employee
can install APs as well.
--- Thank You ---
James Conack