Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
is a security algorithm for IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless computer networks. Introduced
as part of the original 802.11 standard in September 1999. Its intention
was to provide data confidentiality comparable to that of a traditional
wired network. Although its name implies that it is as secure as a wired connection, WEP has been demonstrated to have numerous flaws and has been deprecated in favor of newer standards such as WPA2. In August 2001, Scott Fluhrer, Itsik Mantin, and Adi Shamir published a cryptanalysis of WEP that exploits flaws in WEP, resulting in a passive attack that can recover the WEP key after eavesdropping on the network. Depending on the amount of network traffic, a successful key recovery (hack or compromise) could take as little as one minute. (Source Wikipedia) It is amazing just how many people and small businesses still use WEP, that's why BC Computers is on a campaign to Wipe it out! Some manufacturers may have implemented improved versions of WEP, but that's like using an improved black and white television. The best solution for a small business, or anyone concerned about privacy, is to reconfigure their router or wireless access point to use WPA2, and use a strong encryption key. If WPA2 is not an option on your device, then it's time to replace it. BC Computers has set up this site to help you Wipe Out WEP on your network, but please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. |
 | |
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) |