Vulnerability of Wireless Networks to Interception

Abstract

This paper examines the vulnerability of wireless systems to interception, and provides some simple steps that can be taken to improve security. A commercially available computational electromagnetics software package was used to predict signal levels in complex indoor and urban environments. The simulation results can be used to determine the detection range of the network. Two basic scenarios are presented: (1) indoor-to-outdoor propagation for a local area network operating in a two story building, and (2) a wireless point-to-point link on an airbase. The simulations illustrate some of the unique propagation conditions that occur inside of buildings and in urban areas. This research has identified several possible system weaknesses and suggested some simple, yet effective, methods of improving security.