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2 February 2003- Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Middle East businesses using wireless local area networks (WLANs) to transmit information need to review their existing security procedures urgently, according to specialists at ComGuard, a leading Middle East-based security consultancy.

Wireless networks, which enable computers to communicate via high-frequency radio signals, are increasingly popular in large corporations in the region because they increase mobility in the workplace and remove the problems associated with cables. However, they do create a number of security dangers.

“There’s no doubt that WLANs provide extra flexibility for companies in the region,” says Daniel Nufer, regional sales director for ComGuard, a leading Middle East-based security consultancy. “However, it’s essential that companies don’t sacrifice system integrity for convenience. Radio waves can be monitored by outside agencies, which means that a determined hacker can discover your confidential information or disrupt the operation of your network.”

There are various ways that hackers can access information transmitted through WLANs. Radio frequency links can be used to leak information outside the workplace or attackers can tap into the network through “weak spots” where radio waves leak out, such as doors and windows.

The tools required for this kind of activity are readily available and the costs to a business of such unauthorized access can be considerable. Even those systems that don’t carry sensitive information are at risk from potential “hijacking” by hackers looking to use them as platforms for their own possibly illegal activities.

However, ComGuard makes it clear that there are various measures companies can adopt to increase the security of their WLANs. A valuable first step is to review a company’s internal infrastructure, looking for potential weak spots and shielding them appropriately. It’s also important to install facilities for detecting intrusions and conduct regular sweeps for unauthorized signals and devices.

“Companies in the Middle East can enjoy the benefits provided by wireless networks and be confident about the security of their data, provided they are aware of the dangers and take positive steps to deal with them,” says Nufer. “The problem is that too many people believe that information transmitted on WLANs is safe and so they don’t apply reliable security measures. The sooner companies take action on this issue, the more confident they and their customers can be.”

- ENDS -


About COMGUARD
ComGuard FZ – LLC is a professional IT security solutions provider offering technology-driven security solution to the Middle East businesses and government organizations with cost-effective, cutting-edge solutions for securing the customers business. ComGuard security services and solutions are independent of any and all ties to industry products, which allow us to use the very best combination of tools and techniques to design and deliver our solutions to the customers.

For further information, please contact:

ComGuard FZ - LLC
IT security solutions
T: (971-4) 391 64 00
F: (971-4) 391 68 67
E-mail: marketing@comguard.net
Attn: Wafa Mahdi, Daniel Nufer

 

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