West Midland Firms ‘Ignoring Wi Fi Risk’ says Icomm
A ‘significant percentage’ of businesses across the region with wireless computer networks fail to take basic security measures, according to service and security experts, Icomm Technologies.
The technology allows computers in the same building to connect without wires. However, a wireless network that is not protected can provide a back door into a company’s computer system, leaving sensitive material vulnerable. This, in addition to question marks about the health risks wi-fi poses, has seen it shoot to the top of the corporate agenda.
Icomm’s Ian Callens expands: “As a company, we’ve witnessed the popularity of wireless or wi-fi networks soar in businesses across the region over the past 12 months. This is largely due to their ease in setting up and the fact that they make going online so much more convenient.
“However, it’s only on closer inspection that our engineers unearth security lapses in an organisation’s wi-fi infrastructure; a significant percentage of networks in the West Midlands are unsecured and unencrypted.”
Callens said would be hackers could use basic equipment such as a standard laptop wireless network card to detect vulnerabilities. He conceded it was an ‘ever growing threat’ and feels educating businesses is the key to tackling the problem.
“Successful hackers can gain access to a wealth of company data, including passwords and financial data. Clearly, business continuity is under threat so organisations must investigate ways of thwarting external attacks and keeping their wireless networks secure.
“Businesses can take very basic measures to ensure vital corporate data remains firmly within the confines of the business. Implementing stronger firewalls, turning off wi-fi connections after use and changing passwords regularly will all go some way to doing that.”
If you require any more information on wi-fi security please contact our Sales Team on 0121 248 7931.
2007.07.09 (AH)
