CertiGuide to Security+  9  Chapter 2:  Communication Security (Domain 2.0; 20%)

2.5.4.1  Packet Sniffing 1 2.6.1  WTLS

For the most part, humans have a tendency to not believe something unless they can directly observe it with one of the five senses. Frequently, even when presented with evidence, humans have a way of denying the data. It took the medical society a long time to believe Anton Van Leeuwenhoek when he discovered life that could not be seen without his new invention, the microscope.

Similarly radio waves cannot be directly observed without equipment. This fact alone makes data sent by this means a difficult risk to manage. Compound the issue with the realization that radio waves can glide through walls and glass like it wasn’t there and you have the recipe for a security risk that at first seems impossible. Fortunately, radio is not a new technology and its behaviors are well known. Keep in mind wireless networking is not the only issue²³¹. Continue on and discover how you can use wireless technology to your benefit and minimize the security risks.

Think of throwing a stone into a still pond. At the point of impact, the waves travel outward in a circle decreasing in strength, as it gets larger. If the wave of water does not hit an object, it eventually disappears. If it does hit an object, such as a large stone in the water, the wave action bounces back. Radio waves behave in a quite similar fashion. The difference is since a radio wave is electromagnetic; metal is used.

2.5.4.1  Packet Sniffing 1 2.6.1  WTLS