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News
Issue #2002 - 01
(January 2002)
(Updated Jan.
9, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
RSA Security Patches Up Wireless
LAN Security Holes
RSA Security has announced
that it has developed a new technology to patch holes in 802.11
wireless LANs. Working with wireless security vendor Hifn, RSA
Security has created Fast Packet Keying technology to patch the
security flaws in the WEP protocol designed to encrypt data
traveling over 802.11 wireless LANs.
The current WEP implementation uses similar encryption keys or
codes to hide packets of data, making it easy for hackers to decrypt
data packets passing through the network.
Fast Packet Keying is designed to generate a unique RC4 key for
each data packet sent over the wireless LAN. Now approved by the
IEEE 802.11 committee, this solution is intended to be distributed
as a software or firmware patch by wireless LAN vendors, allowing
their customers to quickly update the existing vulnerable equipment,
the company said.
"With the incorporation of Fast Packet Keying, organizations
can safely turn to wireless networks for operation flexibility and
efficiency without scarifying the integrity of their systems,"
said Doug Whiting, Ph.D., chief scientist at Hifn.
Even though RSA Security is touting the patch technology as the
solution to the critical security flaws in the wireless LAN market,
it appears to be only a band-aid solution as it only patches known
or existing holes but what about those black holes not yet
identified?
For more information: http://www.rsasecurity.com
Mobileinfo Comments & Advisory: A
good development.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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