802.11 Security

by Bob Fleck, Bruce Potter, Bruce Potter

Book Overview

Mention wireless networks, and the question of security will soon follow. It's not surprising that in spite of compelling business arguments for going wireless, many companies are holding back because of security concerns. But, while it's true that wireless networks create security issues that don't exist in wired networks, the issues are not insurmountable. 802.11 Security shows how you can plan for and successfully contend with security obstacles...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0596002904
• ISBN13: 9780596002909
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Great for wireless security

Bruce Potter knows the ins and out of 802.x security. There are a tons of security problems w/ wireless, but after reading this book, you will know what they are and at least have a semblance of intelligence on how to deal it it. This is a great help, I loved this book.

As secure as it can be

You've got one, I've got one, we've all got one. Wired networks have become so passe` now that wireless networks are everywhere. The one characteristic of most wireless networks is the lack of security. Enter O'Reilly's 802.11 Security.Potter and Fleck have written this little book as a no-nonsense guide to understanding the problem of wireless networking security. They also do an excellent job demonstrating how to implement solutions that are quick, simple and actually work.Overall, I would have to say that this book is a gold mine for anyone running an 802.11 network. It has helped me figure out how to implement wireless networking at home thus minimizing security risks. As usual the book is very easy reading and it's written in a very easy-going style giving the necessary background before launching into any detailed discussions. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering or using a wireless network. Even though given enough time my wireless network could be sniffed out, I feel much better having a better understanding of how important securing my wireless network is and knowing that I've done what I can to prevent unauthorized use.

Can't believe the bad rap...

Wow, I can't believe this book has any less than 4.5 stars. The 1-star reviews really do seem to miss the mark. This book is short and to the point because it doesn't waste time talking about concepts and standards that the average person shouldn't care about. This book teaches you how to deploy 802.11 as it is today as securely as possible, and informs you well about the issues you cannot circumvent. It even considers that you might not be running a homogenous network. Even though the server-side stuff is UNIX specific, they talk about client configuration even across Windows.And they do cover the Mac. Highly recommended.

It is not the Music. . . . . .

You don't know me. So you are not supposed to trust me blindly.However, after years in this (security) area, let me share a thought with you: It is not the music, but who and how is playing it that matters.This is a superb book, as excellent as the well known experience of the writers.I recently hired three security pros. with not previous knowledge in wireless security. I gave them just one weapon: This Book.After just a week in their first wireless scenario, were able to detect and correctly react to several related security incidents.Don't let other reviews fool you. This is an outstanding book.If this is your area of interest believe me and buy it. If then you think I was wrong. . . well don't trust any more in my reviews (bet it won't happen).

David Weeks MyMac.com Book Review

GEEK ALERT! Warning Will Robinson! This small book on 802.11b wireless security (167 pages not including the comprehensive index) is not for the faint of heart. To take full advantage of the copious amount of detail that Potter and Fleck provide, you need a good working knowledge of networking, and familiarity with either the Linux, FreeBSD, or OpenBSD operating systems. 802.11 Security is aimed at people who need to configure and administer secure 802.11b wireless (popularly named Airport or WiFi) networks. 802.11 Security is NOT targeted at the casual home computer user who merely wants to keep others from poaching their wireless connection. Those users are best served by Adam Engst's and Glenn Fleishman's Wireless Internet Starter Kit. However, if you have any interest in comprehensive and detailed knowledge of how 802.11b security works from the network administrator's viewpoint, 802.11 Security is the book for you. Potter and Fleck have years of experience with Unix security issues, and have several papers on the subject to their credit. After setting the stage with a good discussion of the many problems with wireless security, the authors outline some of the more common types of attacks on wireless networks. Why? Their point is that understanding the nature of the "Man-in-the-middle" attack (for example) is important for knowing how to prevent it. This point shows that 802.11 Security is more than just a "cookbook" manual. It provides the "why" as well as the "how." The bulk of the book covers how to configure FreeBSD, Linux, and OpenBSD clients, gateways, and access points (base stations for us Apple types). Plenty of examples are provided. However, with no CD included to allow copy-and-paste, you'll need to enter everything manually if you want to follow the examples verbatim. In reality, the lack of a CD is not an issue, as the typical sysadmin is going to be working on their customized installation, and will need to tweak the code examples. 802.11 Security does have ten pages on Mac OSX station configuration, as well as a smaller section on Windows setup. For those adventurous readers, the Mac setup section has plenty of examples on how to configure OSX's built-in firewall for best wireless security. The relative paucity on client computer setup is one of the few drawbacks for an end-user reader, as the book focuses on administrator issues. 802.11 Security is a good read for the Unix sysadmin who is new to wireless networks, or for the aficionados who want to roll their own home wireless network security. Again, this is not a mass-market book. But if you're not the average home user, 802.11 Security is a worthwhile book.MacMice Rating: 4 out of 5David Weeks [website]