Conclusion: Evolving Laptop Security

The modern enterprise is constantly evolving, and the need for a secure
laptop computer to access your wireless network resources is absolutely
essential. In this chapter we have seen how WEP has limitations with
respect to potential vulnerabilities in your security.

Security must involve a combination of solutions, regardless of
whether you are using a Windows, Macintosh, or Lindows OS-enabled
laptop computer. Windows XP, Mac OS X, and Lindows OS all have integrated support for 802.11 as well as other features and functionality
to access wireless network resources.

Regardless of which OS platform you use, there is one common fact
that must be observed when dealing with security issues on your wireless
mobile devices—implement a solution above and beyond the integrated
features present within your access point.

Realize that no device is secure out of the box. 802.11 has a number of
safeguards that may not be enough to secure your system, but all OS
platforms have the ability to utilize encryption and screen out computers
not authorized to access your network. Your first objective is to
enable the highest level of safeguards possible when configuring your
laptop devices to access your wireless network. These settings may not
be sufficient to protect your laptop from a determined hacker, but will
make it harder to access network resources with any stolen equipment.
Finally, look at your laptop device with the eyes of a hacker. Know
how to password-protect your computer so that nobody can even boot the
device without knowing your personal password. Many laptop devices
also include support for biometric devices that restrict access to computer
functionality unless you authenticate yourself to the device with some
personal information (fingerprint, retina scan, etc.). Use these devices to
make it difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to know how to turn on
your computer except for you and authorized people in your company.
If you take these simple steps to protect your equipment, you can
save your wireless network from any hacking attempts. Create an
access barrier at each level within your company—from laptop to access
point and then (and only then) can you function in a realistically secure
wireless networking environment with your laptop computer.