LAN protocol flaw places corporate networks at risk

NEWS Scientists at the University of Berkeley, California, have identified errors in the standard protocol IEEE 802.11b for wireless LANs. Because of the problem, standard encoded data can be intercepted and decoded by hackers with modified hardware when it is sent via a wireless network. A Berkeley researcher used a commercially available wireless LAN adaptor card for testing purposes. It is also claimed to be possible to smuggle software into the wireless LANs. The IEEE 802.11b standard is widely used in numerous companies for the construction of internal data networks. More than 30 manufacturers including Apple, Cisco and Compaq are manufacturing products and upgrades based on the standard.