Auditing wireless access points
WAPs have revolutionized how we connect to network resources, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Although you may still encounter wired devices in some highly controlled environments, most networking in commercial applications is done wirelessly. The inherent nature of wireless communication exposes organizations to unique security risks that must be carefully addressed.
Understanding wireless network architectures and components
To effectively audit WAPs, the auditor must understand the underlying network architecture and components:
- WAPs (1): These devices act as central hubs, allowing wireless clients to connect to the network. WAPs broadcast a wireless signal that clients can detect and use to establish a connection.
- Wireless clients (2): These are the devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, that connect to the wireless network through the access points.
- Wireless controllers (3): Wireless controllers...