Wireless Networking: Compromising Security for Convenience?

The Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) option to the 802.11 standard is the first step in addressing security concerns; it is an encryption provision. WEP is a security protocol designed to provide a wireless local area network with a level of security and privacy comparable to what is usually expected of a wired network. However since physical security mechanisms no longer apply, the goal of the algorithm is to protect wireless communication from eavesdropping and to prevent unauthorized access to a wireless network through the use of encryption. Once WEP has been implemented to protect the data, other typical LAN security measures should be implemented such as password protection and authentication. The WECA has announced that the WEP was never intended to be the sole security mechanism for wireless networks, but when used in conjunction with traditional security measures is found to be very effective.