If SMEs want to be secure, they need to think like hackers says Firebrand Training

UK (SANEPR.com) July 18, 2008 -- SMEs are endangering critical corporate information because they are failing to adequately secure their wireless networks.

Failure to change preset simple ‘admin’ security settings, or choosing easy-to-crack passwords and allowing the network to be visible to potential attackers are the three most common mistakes made by small and medium businesses with their wireless setup.

Firebrand Training is urging SMEs to take a more proactive approach to their wireless security – and they say it is by learning the tricks used by hackers that they will stay one step ahead of potential attacks.

The Accelerated Learning pioneer has launched a White Paper “Wireless networks: are we just
leaving the stable door wide open?”,outlining the key strategies employed by hackers against corporate wireless networks. It is by understanding the tactics used in a hacking attack, SMEs can pre-test their wireless networks for the potential weaknesses which could be compromised in a real life breach.

The White Paper also recommends using tools implemented by hackers to glean information about a wireless network before an attack. Common tricks used by hackers include ‘sniffers’ such as Kismet, penetration tools like the Aircrack suite and tracers such as Netstumbler are set out as potentially helpful elements to test a network’s resilience.

The full White Paper can be found on the Firebrand website http://www.firebrandtraining.co.uk along with all details of all their IT network and security training courses.

“Many SMEs may not have a dedicated team in charge of network security, but this is no excuse for not having the necessary measures in place,” said Rob Chapman, CEO, Firebrand Training. “Wireless networks are highly convenient and extremely quick to implement but if simple security measures are ignored, wireless weaknesses could open the door to a devastating hack attack.”

“Know your enemy,” Chapman continued, “Tracking the footprints of an attack before it happens, and taking effective steps to protect the network against specific threats will be the only way small businesses will ensure their data remains secure and in the right hands.”

To download a copy of the full White Paper please go to: http://www.firebrandtraining.co.uk/pdf/Wireless_Network_Security_Whitepaper_Firebrand_Training.pdf


NOTES TO EDITORS

About Firebrand Training, www.firebrandtraining.co.uk
Firebrand Training is challenging the way in which professional training is delivered.

Firebrand Training, formerly known as The Training Camp, has pioneered Accelerated Learning courses for busy IT professionals. The organisation’s innovative approach to course delivery has led to its status as the Institute of IT Training’s “IT Training Company of the Year” for the past three consecutive years.

Students are totally immersed in the subject matter, receiving an average of 12 hours intense tuition per day at a residential training site. Subject experts implement a range of teaching methodologies designed to fit with how we best understand and retain information during different periods in the day. Accelerated Learning is an attractive proposition for contractors, whose time commands very high premiums, and employers who need to minimise staff absence. Firebrand Training has an above average pass rate of 85% - confounding critics’ claims that Accelerated Learning fails to produce results.

Firebrand Training was founded by Robert Chapman and Stefano Capaldo in Summer 2001 as The Training Camp. Stefano was a former student in the US and rated the company’s approach so highly that he decided to launch a programme of courses in the UK. The organisation has since been recognised by Microsoft as a Gold Partner for Learning Solutions (MCPLS) and over 12,000 students have been trained in the UK to date. The success of the company enabled the management team to relaunch as Firebrand Training, which is focused on delivering training courses specifically designed for a European market.

Firebrand Training offers a range of courses covering all major vendors such as Microsoft courses, Cisco training, Oracle, Sun, and Novell, as well as specialist certifications in the areas of security, business intelligence, project and business process management.

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