Security experts have determined that 802.11b wireless LANs (WLANs) are relatively easy to infiltrate. As the National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) explains, 802.11b (also known as Wi-Fi) has a built-in security mechanism: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). However, hackers have broken that security scheme, and a number of hacker tools are available to help miscreants take advantage of the vulnerability simply by getting within range of the WLAN's broadcast signal.

In response, members of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) WLAN industry trade organization have developed a set of best practices for ensuring 802.11 security. Their security statement includes the following recommendations. Small organizations such as home-based businesses, where extensive security is not a key requirement, should:

• Turn on WEP data encryption and manage your WEP key by changing the default key and then changing the WEP key daily/weekly. [EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have newer encryption capabilities, use that instead; with the newest you can avoid changing the key frequently]
• Protect drives and folders with passwords.
• Change the default SSID wireless network name.
• Use session keys, if they're available with your product.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) system. You'll have to get a VPN server, but the VPN client is included in later version of Windows, such as 98 Second Edition, 2000, and XP.