UK wireless Lans still left unsecured

UK businesses are putting themselves at serious risk by continuing to ignore messages about the security of wireless local area networks (Lans).

Companies fail to apply the same stringent security measures as they do to the rest of their networks, with the majority regarding them as a bolt on extra, according to research from Orthus.

The security specialist surveyed 300 chief executives and senior staff and found that 59 per cent using wireless networks did not encrypt data or even deploy a firewall on the network.

The finding was particularly disturbing because 43 per cent of the wireless Lans were connected to the corporate infrastructure.

The research also showed that only 33 per cent of companies have security policies relating to their wireless Lans, and 50 per cent don't even use password protection - the most basic precaution.

Business development manager Andy Hogan said he was "completely dumbfounded" by the results.

The levels of ignorance represented such a threat that he believes a regulator should be appointed to ensure compliance with basic principles.

The survey was carried out among visitors to the recent Wireless Lan show.