Businesses use 'inefficient WEP protocol'
25/04/2008 17:56:46
UK businesses are leaving their wireless networks open to hackers by using ineffective wired equivalent privacy (WEP) protocol technology, according to research by managed security company Network Box.
The survey found that 57 per cent of companies left their information vulnerable, with 41 per cent using ineffective WEP technology and 16 per cent making no IT security provision at all.
In order to make life more difficult for hackers, the security company recommended using wi-fi protected access (WPA) protocol.
Simon Heron, Internet Analyst, Network Box, says: "WEP is no obstacle for a shrewd hacker and can be sidestepped in minutes. By configuring wireless networks to WPA, businesses and home users immediately make any hacking attempt significantly more difficult."
He added that making the transfer was as simple as flicking a switch.
The news follows a report by IT security provider Sophos released at Infosec 2008 in London this week and reported by IT Pro, saying that a web page is infected by malware every five seconds.
