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Wireless local are network security (WLAN security) is a security system designed to protect networks from the security breaches to which wireless transmissions are susceptible. This type of security is necessary because WLAN signals have no physical boundary limitations, and are prone to illegitimate access over network resources, resulting in the vulnerability of private and confidential data. Network operations and availability can also be compromised in case of a WLAN security breech. To address these issues, various authentication, encryption, invisibility and other administrative controlling techniques are used in WLANs. Business and corporate WLANs in particular require adequate security measures to detect, prevent and block piggybackers, eavesdroppers and other intruders.
Security has remained a major concern in WLANs around the globe. While wireless networks provide convenience and flexibility, they also increase network vulnerability. Security threats such as unauthorized access, denial of service attacks, IP and MAC spoofing, session hijacking and eavesdropping can all be problems for WLANs. To counter these threats, various standard authentication and encryption techniques are combined with other access control mechanisms. These protocols, devices and techniques collectively secure the WLAN a level that equals and even exceeds wired LAN security.
Some of the technologies employed in WLAN security include:
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