The issue with wireless networks is that anyone can connect to your network unless you secure the wireless configuration. If left unsecured, someone in your parking lot could be connected to your network just like you are in your building.
PEAP and EAP are two authentication protocols that will allow your wireless network to determine if the user and/or device is allowed on your network.
WEP and WPA will encrypt the information which travels over your wireless network, so if someone is monitoring your network signal the data they see will be useless to them. WEP was an early encryption protocol which has been replaced by new variations of the newer WPA protocol.
Wireless networking usually means your workforce is on the move. So protecting the data these mobile road warriors carry with them is also very important. Encrypting all sensitive data on the laptop is very important in case the laptop is lost or stolen thus abiding by the Road Warrior’s Creed will instill best practices in helping your mobile workers protect the data while on the road.
Laptops are not the only way data floats around. DVD-R, PDAs, and USB thumb drives are all ways that important data leaves the office and ends up in various places you would rather not have it consumed.
So when looking at the flexibility of wireless networking and data on the go remember to add the security measures so all this new found freedom is done safely.
