Book Description
Maximum Wireless Security is a practical handbook that reveals the techniques and tools crackers use to break into wireless networks, and that details the steps network administrators need to take to secure their systems.The authors provide information to satisfy the expert's hunger for in-depth information with actual source code, real-world case studies, and step-by-step configuration recipes.The book includes detailed, hands-on information that is currently unavailable in any printed text -- information that has been gleaned from the authors' work with real wireless hackers ("war drivers"), wireless security developers, and leading security experts.


From the Back Cover
Maximum Wireless Security is a practical handbook that reveals the techniques and tools crackers use to break into wireless networks, and that details the steps network administrators need to take to secure their systems.The authors provide information to satisfy the expert's hunger for in-depth information with actual source code, real-world case studies, and step-by-step configuration recipes.The book includes detailed, hands-on information that is currently unavailable in any printed text -- information that has been gleaned from the authors' work with real wireless hackers ("war drivers"), wireless security developers, and leading security experts.


About the Author
Dr. Cyrus Peikari finished his formal training with honors in electrical engineering at Southern Methodist University in 1991. For eight years Dr. Peikari taught advanced mathematics at the SMU Learning Enhancement Center in Dallas, Texas. He has also worked as a telecommunications software research and development engineer for Alcatel. Dr. Peikari has developed several award-winning security software programs. He also co-founded DallasCon, the largest annual wireless security conference in the Southwest. You can reach him at cyrus@virusmd.com. Seth Fogie is a former United States Navy nuclear engineer. After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Fogie worked as a technical support specialist for a major Internet service provider, during which time he earned his MCSE. Currently, Mr. Fogie is director of engineering at VirusMD Wireless Security, where he develops next-generation mobile security software. Brett L. Neilson is a network and system engineer with a strong background in the wireless industry. Mr. Neilson has previously worked for Verizon Wireless as a Senior Systems Administrator and RF Field Technician. While at Verizon he worked to develop, deploy, and maintain its national infrastructure. Currently Mr. Neilson works for a leading infosec corporation. As an FCC licensed amateur radio operator, he has worked with various government agencies providing communication assistance and coordination. His broad range of computer and RF skills has led him to perform groundbreaking research in practical wireless security. Mr. Neilson also teaches a series of review courses for the Wireless Security Expert Certification (WSEC). Sten Lannerstrom is product portfolio manager at SmartTrust, a provider of infrastructure software for securing and managing mobile services and devices. Mr. Lannerstrom joined SmartTrust in 1997 (at that time iD2 Technologies) and has more than 22 years of experience in the area of information technology. Mr. Lannerstrom oversees SmartTrust's wireless security portfolio, including the use of smart cards, wireless devices, digital certificates, and biometrics. He holds the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) accreditation.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
By now, it￯﾿ﾽs common knowledge that conventional wireless networks are insecure. But how, exactly, can they be attacked? And how can you protect yourself? Wireless Maximum Security shows you.

Cyrus Peikari and Seth Fogie walk you step-by-step through probing virtually every area of potential weakness. They offer hands-on coverage of everything from cracking WEP to setting up rogue access points, from surveillance and wardriving to jamming wireless networks. In a full chapter on airborne viruses, you'll discover how Palms and Pocket PCs have become huge targets of opportunity for the creators of malicious code.

There's a three-chapter section on tools for identifying your own vulnerabilities, starting with NetStumbler, the "mother of all wireless network scanning tools.￯﾿ﾽ The authors introduce Ethereal and Kismet sniffers, AirSnort and WEPCrack for capturing and decoding WEP-encrypted wireless transmissions, and more. There's a full chapter on hacking wireless networks with a Pocket PC -- so you can wander around your campus and discover which networks are easiest to victimize. There's also a start-to-finish walk-through of a wireless hacking session that describes exactly how it's done.

Thankfully, Peikari and Fogie turn to solutions next. You'll walk through security measures focused on protecting access points (for example, MAC filtering and DMZs); firewalling; encryption improvements such as TKIP; and, especially, VPN and wireless PKI-based approaches. It'll take some effort, but with this book's help you can secure your wireless networks to the point where you're comfortable using them. Bill Camarda

Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER