WLAN
Oskyddad och okontrollerad datakommunikation
This master?s thesis investigates the technology and security awareness associated with wireless networks (WLAN). It has been stated by the media and theories that many wireless networks are unprotected. This has sparked an interest to investigate the phenomenon in the Jonkoping region. The study is based on the following research questions:- What security weaknesses are present with the WLAN-technology and how can these be avoided?- How does the wireless infrastructure in the Jonkoping region look like?- Why do companies implement the WLAN-technology?- Are the companies aware of the risks involved with WLAN?We conducted this study in three steps; the first step was to hack a wireless network in a controlled environment in order to investigate the weaknesses of the commonly used security measures. The second step of the study was to scan the wireless networks in Jonkoping, Gnosjo and Nassjo in order to create a picture of the wireless infrastructure of the region. The third step of the study was to contact companies that we found in the second step for interviews to investigate their awareness of the technology and its weaknesses.We found that WLANs and their security measures have weaknesses. The commonly used WEP encryption can quite easily be broken and can lure users into a false sense of security. The study shows that companies are aware of this weakness, but use the encryption be-cause it offers a good level of usability and security. It is a compromise between usability and security. Usability is one of the major factors for companies when implementing wireless networks, companies strive for mobility, easy access and ease of use, which the WLAN technology offers. This has lead to an extended wireless infrastructure in cities within the region where one, with ease, can find wireless networks outside buildings. We have noticed an increase in the security awareness as our empirical findings differ from earlier research conducted in other cities. When these studies are compared you can see a trend where the number of unprotected networks decreases. Our contribution to increased wireless security is a checklist of possible security measures to minimize the security threats.