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Stealth wireless creates security nightmare

Stealth implementation of remote access systems is creating a security nightmare, new surveys have revealed. Companies are failing to create adequate polices to govern the safe use of Blackberrys, laptops and smartphones, leaving holes through which systems can be compromised.

"Badly implemented wireless can come back and bite you," said Alex Black, strategy director at Omnetica, who conducted a survey of 155 companies. "Mobilisation is well underway, especially in the public sector, but it needs to be carefully implemented."

Although 30 percent of companies were very worried about the security implications of a mobilised workforce, most are pushing ahead with some form of remote access anyway.

"In one case a CEO had bought a wireless access point for his office and didn't take the proper security precautions. Without knowing it he had effectively opened up the door to his company," Black said.

The news comes alongside a separate survey by Sonicwall of 400 businesses that highlights a major increase in wireless local area networking (WLAN). According to the survey half of all companies have already implemented WLAN access and a further 20 percent plan to in the next twelve months.

But when asked how they would know a WLAN breach of security has occurred only 16 percent gave a response. And of those that did, 38 percent admitted they would have no idea.

www.omnetica.com
www.sonicwall.com

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