by Steve Lussing

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: December 04, 2008

The interconnectedness of computers in today's local and wide area networks can be a boon to business productivity, but it can increase a system's vulnerability to infection from malicious software which intends to subvert the network's security, and perhaps even to compromise important data. All types of malicious software are today popularly referred to as malware. They include viruses and worms, trojans, keyboard loggers, and other forms of invasive interference.

Most business offices allow internet access through their company's computers. Because of this, the implementation of an operating system firewall has become a mandatory, and necessary, security measure. Firewalls were originally developed to prevent unauthorized users from accessing a local area network, and now they have evolved into a necessary component of almost any computer's operating system. In tandem with user authentication systems, they form the first line of defense against unwanted intrusion.

Firewalls are very effective for their purpose, and no home or office which is connected to the internet should be without one. After all, any computer which is connected to the internet is only one unit in a vast computer network. The rules haven't changed where network security is concerned, and the wireless home network also qualifies as a local area network.

WiFi technology opens up a whole new arena for hackers. By far, the most secure local area networked system (LAN) is a closed one which connects computers via Ethernet or coaxial cables inside the office environment. But, more often now business is conducted via the internet, allowing a user to access business information from remote locations where the only available means for gaining access to a company's data is through a wireless connection. This degree of mobility can be a great advantage, notwithstanding that it also opens up opportunities for the theft of sensitive hardware like laptops and PDA's. The mobile office has perpetuated the hardware security threat.

Hackers employ a method for stealing information from wireless users by using sophisticated programs called packet sniffers. Used on a portable computer through a wireless connection, these have the ability to monitor the activity in a typical wireless environment like an airport or other public terminal and log all of the information that is being sent and received by users on the system. For best prevention of theft of important information in environments like these, establishing

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