Plugging In a Wireless Access Point without Asking

For that matter, plugging any device into your network without first getting permission from the network administrator is a big no-no. But Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are particularly insidious. Many users fall for the marketing line that wireless networking is as easy as plugging in one of these devices to the network. Then, your wireless notebook PC or hand-held device can instantly join the network.

The trouble is, so can anyone else within about one-quarter mile of the wireless access point. Therefore, you must employ extra security measures to make sure hackers can't get into your network via a wireless computer located in the parking lot or across the street.

If you think that's unlikely, think again. Several underground Web sites on the Internet actually display maps of unsecured wireless networks in major cities. For more information about securing a wireless network, see Chapter 9.