Conclusion: Spectrum Safety!

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a bit of insight into what people
call the “inherent” security features of one method of spectrum communication
over another. From experience, I have learned that there is no
such thing as 100 percent security, nor is there a way for anything to be “inherently” more secure just because it uses a better protocol or means
of transmitting information.

Many people might say that because FHSS hops from frequency to frequency,
it is much harder (if not impossible) to figure out how to hack
into it and eavesdrop on wireless workstations. The real truth is that if
someone is intent upon listening to your traffic, breaking into your wireless
network, or determining how to find out information�"they can do it.
Your best defense is to find a way to make it harder for the hacker to
break into your system. However, using FHSS rather than DSSS isn’t
going to be the way to protect your systems. You should never be lulled
into a false sense of security because someone tells you that FHSS is
more secure than DSSS. In truth, there is no real advantage to one
method over another. In fact, when you consider these two choices you
should remember that you can listen to a radio station on either AM or
FM, and while the two methods of transmission are totally different�"
can’t you still hear the station loud and clear on your radio? Even
though these transmissions are on different bands and sent through different
mechanisms, you can still hear them just the same. Think of
FHSS and DSSS as you would AM and FM.

If you want true security on your system, remember to utilize encryption
techniques and never use an open system of authentication (as discussed
elsewhere in this book). If you leave your system open, you leave
yourself vulnerable to attack.
Remember, no system is secure “out of the box” and don’t ever believe
anyone who tells you differently. Whatever the default values are for
passwords, network protocols, and transmission standards�"you should
change all of these settings immediately. Hackers buy the same boxes
and wireless equipment you do, they know all the default settings, and
always use these items against unsuspecting users who have not taken
the time to examine their systems and find out how to protect themselves
against transparent intrusion attempts.

Hackers seamlessly enter your system and make very sure that they
do whatever they need to so that they will not be detected. If you are
careful and remember all the elements of security for each operating
system, platform, and technology�"you can realistically improve your
chances so that you are not a victim of a hacker and therefore protect
your systems against attack, intrusion, or any other form of unauthorized
access!183