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Why Companies Need Frequent Vulnerability Assessment Tests

Article Submitted by: Jhoana Cooper

Friday, 04 December 2009

Corporate wireless networks are always vulnerable to security threats and attacks. That is because hackers are targeting these networks in order to steal valuable financial information and corporate secrets. Hackers have already refined their WEP crack and penetration techniques which is a serious concern for wireless networks. WEP is a legacy encryption technique to secure wireless network. It can be cracked by dedicated and persistent hackers. One of the best solutions available for companies is to perform frequent vulnerability assessment and evaluation. It can mitigate the threats of hacking because companies can plug vulnerabilities of their systems.

By performing vulnerability assessment, companies will know if their wireless networks are being compromised. This type of security audit can be implemented easily by using a penetration testing appliance. Security vulnerability assessment passes through three stages. First, the technical administrators will define the areas that will be tested and will conduct actual or self-directed penetration attacks. The second phase is evaluation of weaknesses on all or parts of the network. Through the reports generated by penetration testing, administrators will be able to see the major and minor vulnerabilities of their networks. Lastly, these vulnerabilities or security weaknesses will be addressed accordingly by implementing enhanced security systems or developing new security policies.

Vulnerability testing and assessments are required activities for wireless networks that are still using WEP security systems. Hackers simply use WEP crack tools which are called sniffer machines. These sniffers will try to capture data packets from the wireless network in order to defeat the encryption system. Highly advanced WEP crack tools can demolish the security of WiFi networks in a matter of minutes. This can happen if network administrators are unaware that someone is already sniffing into their systems. In order to immediately arrest possible hacking and penetration, administrators can run a self directed security assessment. This should be done frequently because network hackers are always targeting weaknesses of wireless networks.

There are practical benefits of running frequent security vulnerability assessments. First, companies with exemplary security protocols and policies will be able to prevent costly security failures. Your company could lose millions of dollars if financial information can be stolen from your system. You can also face litigation especially if hackers can take sensitive information about your clients. Hobby hackers who just want to enjoy free Internet access courtesy of your wireless network can use up your bandwidth and can slow down your enterprise applications. This has serious consequence on the productivity of your network which could cost millions also. All these problems can be prevented if your network administrators will run frequent security assessments.

So if you want to protect your network from external threats, the most practical solution available for you is to deploy a penetration testing appliance. Through such security appliance, you will be able to conduct frequent vulnerability assessment. A penetration security appliance can also help in improving your network's security against spamming, viruses, spyware, and worms. If your network is adequately protected, then there is no reason why hackers can wreak havoc to your systems.

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Learn why frequent vulnerability assessment is critical to protect your network. Visit our website today to find out the best penetration testing appliance that can defeat WEP crack and other external threats and vulnerabilities.

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