NIST releases guide for securing wireless networks

The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced this week that it has released a new guide on securing Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), which are used to connect laptops and other mobile devices to the Internet.

The "Guidelines for Securing Wireless Local Area Networks" (NIST Special Publication 800-153) cover every step of the system development process including its implementation, maintenance and disposal, according to a statement. These recommendations are applicable to unclassified wireless networks.

"The WLAN's security depends upon how well all of its components, including client devices and wireless switches, are secured," NIST said in the statement. "The new guide provides recommendations to improve security on such topics as standardizing WLAN security configurations, including configuration design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance; and provides guidelines concerning the selection of monitoring tools and the frequency of security monitoring."

To download the new guide, visit www.nist.gov/manuscript-publication-search.cfm?pub_id=910174.