AIS300 - Scheme of Work - Scholarly Commons Home

computer systems (Engelenhoven, 1998). Considering all the factor discussed
previously, simulation is an important tool in the analysis, design and studies of WLAN
(Bhatt, Fujimoto, Ogielski, & Perumalla, 1998; Breslau et al., 2000; Goktruk, 2006;
Nieuwelaar & Hunt, 2004). A summary of the available network simulators is in
Appendix 2.
5.2.7 Perform Security Risk Assessment
Security of information is of vital importance to organizations which use wireless local
area networks. If these WLANs are left vulnerable, organizations are risking themselves
of security threats that may caused severe damages to the company’s operation (Dyce &
Barrett, 2006). In spite of its size, a wireless network requires a through evaluation of
its physical and operational security. Attackers can exploit the weaknesses that exist in
WLAN to gain access to it. A way to protect the corporate WLAN is to reduce,
mitigate or remove the threat risks. This can be achieved by having a good risk
management program (Myerson, 2002).
In the long run, risk assessment can help organization avoids heavy financial losses due
compromised security measures, protect against breaches of privacy, and finally protect
the company from exposing themselves to cyber risks (Landoll, 2006). There are
several benefits of conducting risk assessment to WLAN by organizations. The first
benefit is the check and balance where the organization can review the current status of
WLAN security measures implemented in the company. The second benefit of risk
assessment is that it provides a periodic review on the effectiveness of security
measures and threats that may occur as the WLAN technology advances and changes.
The third benefit, organization can use the data gathered from risk assessment to plan
and budget their spending on security implementation. The forth benefit is it creates
security awareness among WLAN users and implementers (Landoll, 2006).
At an organizational level, risk assessments could be expected to be part of the normal
security protocols to protect overall wireless network. Corporate users must be aware
that the security requirement for wired and wireless network varies slightly.
Implementing WLAN requires proper authentication of every network user, which is
sometimes not required in wired LAN. WLANs also have to deal with providing and
ensuring signals coverage and mobility to users. The confidentiality, authenticity,
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