Virtual Credit Card Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.
As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.
Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.
Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.
Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178
Monday, July 9, 2007
Friday, July 6, 2007
Wireless Credit Card Terminals
Buying Credit Card Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
A credit card terminal is an indispensable device for your business. Major features of a credit card terminal are its price, speed, and reliability. There are three major types of terminals - traditional, wireless, and virtual. Each of them has its own features and functions. Modern credit card terminals require electricity and telephone lines. The price of a basic terminal ranges between $150 and $300. Terminals with printers vary from $200 to $600. For wireless terminals, the cost is ranges from $600 to $1,000. AVS (address verification system) is a standard feature on most credit card terminals- so it is advisable not to buy a terminal without it. While purchasing wireless terminals, important factors to be considered are battery life, weight, range, and shock-resistance.
Credit card terminals are perfect for businesses of all sizes. They come in different models. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. Always keep your terminals clean. Dust, crumbs, and especially paper lint can quickly block printers and gum up stripe readers.
If you choose to buy your credit card terminal online, do some preparatory research at the outset. You should consider shipping charges and any other hidden costs involved. It is a good idea to compare prices online. Also, check the warranty and customer care services. You may also consider upgrading your existing machine rather than buying a totally new one. It is advisable that you go through online reviews from knowledgeable sources. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353175
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
A credit card terminal is an indispensable device for your business. Major features of a credit card terminal are its price, speed, and reliability. There are three major types of terminals - traditional, wireless, and virtual. Each of them has its own features and functions. Modern credit card terminals require electricity and telephone lines. The price of a basic terminal ranges between $150 and $300. Terminals with printers vary from $200 to $600. For wireless terminals, the cost is ranges from $600 to $1,000. AVS (address verification system) is a standard feature on most credit card terminals- so it is advisable not to buy a terminal without it. While purchasing wireless terminals, important factors to be considered are battery life, weight, range, and shock-resistance.
Credit card terminals are perfect for businesses of all sizes. They come in different models. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. Always keep your terminals clean. Dust, crumbs, and especially paper lint can quickly block printers and gum up stripe readers.
If you choose to buy your credit card terminal online, do some preparatory research at the outset. You should consider shipping charges and any other hidden costs involved. It is a good idea to compare prices online. Also, check the warranty and customer care services. You may also consider upgrading your existing machine rather than buying a totally new one. It is advisable that you go through online reviews from knowledgeable sources. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353175
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Wireless Credit Card Teminals
How To Get A Low Interest Credit Card
By Tom Coleman
Consumers often have the first credit card that they ever
applied for, never really analizing how the interest rate
affects their payments, but many other options exist and can
help consumers decrease their payments and achieve financial
stability.
With interest rates on some credit cards rising to over 23%,
even low balance credit card debt can be crippling. One of the
first research elements a prospective borrower should look at
is the interest rate on transferred debt. This interest rate is
often lower than the usual interest rate for the credit card,
and can be an especially good deal for borrowers who have debt
already. Another element to consider is the interest rate on
new purchases – this rate will be the main concern in the years
to come, as this new credit card will probably become the most
heavily used. Borrowers often worry about annual fees, but
these are often temporary. Getting a credit card with low
interest rates will save a borrower significant sums, usually
much more than the annual fee. Plus, once good credit is
established, the annual fee may later be waived.
Another interest rate will usually apply, as well – the rate
for cash advances. Cash advances are usually limited to a
couple hundred dollars, but credit card companies often insist
that when paying back the balance, the credit portion must be
paid back first, then the portion that the cash advance applies
to. So if you are going to keep a balance on your credit card,
be aware that cash advance interest rates are higher than the
regular interest rates. Cash advances can be incredibly helpful
in emergencies, though, when a credit card cannot be used.
Visa and MasterCard are by far the most commonly accepted
credit cards, so less commonly used cards such as American
Express and Discover often offer special rates for new
customers. These rates are worth attention, even if you think
that you may not be able to use the card as easily as your
previous credit cards, because transferring the balance to
these new cards to obtain the lower interest rate may
significantly lower your payments. While your AmEx or Discover
Card may not be accepted as often, they can be a good tool to
achieving your financial goals.
Even less commonly used are credit cards that are store
specific, such as gas cards or department store cards, but
these cards can offer incredible deals on interest rates. They
rely on the fact that consumers will often switch their
spending patterns to the new gas station or store, and this
increased revenue makes up for the lower interest rates. A
slight change in your habits, such as consistently using the
new credit card at the new gas station, can lower payments and
improve credit scores.
Researching new credit cards can seem daunting, but by
comparing the four main factors, which are the regular interest
rate, the rate on transferred balance, the rate on cash
advances, and the annual fee, you can reduce your credit card
payments significantly.
About the Author: The author runs the finance website
http://www.pawninfo.com about short-term loans and payday
loans, and any or all of this article may be reproduced in any
form as long as there is a link to the website. The HTML is
Pawn Shops and Short Term Loans
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Tom Coleman
Consumers often have the first credit card that they ever
applied for, never really analizing how the interest rate
affects their payments, but many other options exist and can
help consumers decrease their payments and achieve financial
stability.
With interest rates on some credit cards rising to over 23%,
even low balance credit card debt can be crippling. One of the
first research elements a prospective borrower should look at
is the interest rate on transferred debt. This interest rate is
often lower than the usual interest rate for the credit card,
and can be an especially good deal for borrowers who have debt
already. Another element to consider is the interest rate on
new purchases – this rate will be the main concern in the years
to come, as this new credit card will probably become the most
heavily used. Borrowers often worry about annual fees, but
these are often temporary. Getting a credit card with low
interest rates will save a borrower significant sums, usually
much more than the annual fee. Plus, once good credit is
established, the annual fee may later be waived.
Another interest rate will usually apply, as well – the rate
for cash advances. Cash advances are usually limited to a
couple hundred dollars, but credit card companies often insist
that when paying back the balance, the credit portion must be
paid back first, then the portion that the cash advance applies
to. So if you are going to keep a balance on your credit card,
be aware that cash advance interest rates are higher than the
regular interest rates. Cash advances can be incredibly helpful
in emergencies, though, when a credit card cannot be used.
Visa and MasterCard are by far the most commonly accepted
credit cards, so less commonly used cards such as American
Express and Discover often offer special rates for new
customers. These rates are worth attention, even if you think
that you may not be able to use the card as easily as your
previous credit cards, because transferring the balance to
these new cards to obtain the lower interest rate may
significantly lower your payments. While your AmEx or Discover
Card may not be accepted as often, they can be a good tool to
achieving your financial goals.
Even less commonly used are credit cards that are store
specific, such as gas cards or department store cards, but
these cards can offer incredible deals on interest rates. They
rely on the fact that consumers will often switch their
spending patterns to the new gas station or store, and this
increased revenue makes up for the lower interest rates. A
slight change in your habits, such as consistently using the
new credit card at the new gas station, can lower payments and
improve credit scores.
Researching new credit cards can seem daunting, but by
comparing the four main factors, which are the regular interest
rate, the rate on transferred balance, the rate on cash
advances, and the annual fee, you can reduce your credit card
payments significantly.
About the Author: The author runs the finance website
http://www.pawninfo.com about short-term loans and payday
loans, and any or all of this article may be reproduced in any
form as long as there is a link to the website. The HTML is
Pawn Shops and Short Term Loans
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Wireless Credit Card Teminals
Virtual Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton
Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.
As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.
Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.
Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.
Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178
By Kent Pinkerton
Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.
As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.
Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.
Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.
Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178
Monday, July 2, 2007
Wireless Credit Card Terminals
Virtual Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton
Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.
As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.
Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.
Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.
Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178
By Kent Pinkerton
Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.
As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.
Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.
Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.
Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178
Monday, May 14, 2007
Wireless Credit Card Terminals
Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton
Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.
A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.
At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.
There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.
Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177
By Kent Pinkerton
Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.
A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.
At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.
There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.
Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Wireless Credit Card Terminals
Is Your Wireless Network Secure?
By Jeremy Whittaker
Networking professionals are encouraging people to think
twice about wireless network security. You might be
thinking I use WEP-128 bit encryption with MAC address
filtering, I’m safe. Or you may be you’ve never even heard
of WEP, if this is the case you might want to unplug your
wireless access point immediately. But then again look at
the bright side at least you don’t have the false sense of
security that your network is secure. Perhaps you are the
smart guy who knows how insecure wireless networks are. You
too are at just an equal risk!
Your computer consultant might be partially right when they
say WEP will protect your network. It will protect your
network from casual snooping but that is about it. Last
year the FBI was able to crack a WEP protected network in
less than 3 minutes with tools widely available on the
internet. Since then it’s been downhill for WEP.
At this point you might be thinking, “Oh well, someone gets
on my network and uses the internet”. This is completely
false. If someone has gone through the process of getting
on your network chances are the only thing they want is not
internet access. Any computer security professional will
tell you that physical access to the network is 95% of the
security battle. Once this has been accomplished you can
consider all of your data compromised. Customer invoices,
customer data, credit card numbers and passwords to
financial institutions will all be in the hands of a hacker.
One in many methods can be used to gain access to your
personal data, whether it’s through Key loggers, Trojans, or
just by sniffing your plaintext network traffic.
Maybe, just maybe, I have not convinced you of the
insecurities of wireless networks. Let me tell you about
another attack that hackers can use to gain access to your
network. Let’s say your access points are completely locked
down, to your knowledge. A user from your network goes and
flips on their laptop while sitting in an airport terminal
waiting for a plane. They see an available insecure
wireless network so they click on it and connect. None of us
have ever done this before right, itching to check their
email one last time before heading out of town? Unbeknownst
to them they have just clicked on a fake honeypot wireless
network, set up by a rogue hacker that before they can even
realize their machine is already being scanned. Picture for
a moment that user could be anywhere, even sitting at a desk
in your network. Just as long as the rogue access point is
stronger than your AP’s radio signal you’re security is
done.
May be you fall into the category of never setting up
wireless networks because you read about their insecurities.
How then can you be at risk? Just consider for a moment
that a user in your organization fires up his wireless card.
See’s a wireless network that is named XYZCorp after your
company. So they connect to it and immediately a script is
hammering their machine for security vulnerabilities. Once
again they connected to a rogue access point setup by a
hacker. Now you might be thinking. “C’mon you must have to
be a computer genius to find and run these tools.” Think
again, thanks to the kind people over at remote-exploit.org
all these tools can be downloaded in one big happy ISO file.
Burned to a CD as an image and bang you’re done, ready to
take a drive to the nearest business and start sniffing
credit card numbers. Everything wrapped into a nice package
just waiting for the next script kiddy to start running the
programs. You may be thinking ok this is a major problem so
what should I do? Give up my organizations ability to use
wireless networks? This isn’t exactly what we are saying.
A newer wireless security technology has taken over in 2004
called WPA. It is more secure than WEP. And so far tools
are not as readily available to hack your network. But
consider the following. WEP was ratified in the late 1990’s
less than six years later it was exploited. This is typical
of almost every computer technology. It is only a matter of
time before technologies are exploited. Just always
remember Security is a multi-tiered companywide
responsibility. From providing physical security to web
site security all matters should be considered serious and
not taken lightly. So before you grab a wireless access
point and slap it in your network, I urge you to think
twice.
You may think you are in a sinking boat because you are a
small organization not able to implement the latest
technologies and afford the newest access points. Or maybe
you cannot afford to pay an IT staff over 100k-200k a year
to maintain your medium size network. Executives at
N2
Network Solutions say you should consider IT outsourcing or
IT consulting. You can get Industry certified engineers on
a project by project basis. Contractual relationships are
also available to dump the responsibility of your network
into their hands for a fraction of the price. To keep your
small to medium size network performing like a Fortune 500
machine invest the capital and secure your assets.
Jeremy Whittaker is a Senior Consultant for N2 Network Solutions, a leader in Phoenix IT Outsourcing, providing computer services and Phoenix IT Consulting.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Whittaker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Wireless-Network-Secure?&id=256379
Wireless networking in today's market is everywhere. But is it secure? Even if you haven't installed or configured wireless networking in your network. You can still be at risk.
By Jeremy Whittaker
Networking professionals are encouraging people to think
twice about wireless network security. You might be
thinking I use WEP-128 bit encryption with MAC address
filtering, I’m safe. Or you may be you’ve never even heard
of WEP, if this is the case you might want to unplug your
wireless access point immediately. But then again look at
the bright side at least you don’t have the false sense of
security that your network is secure. Perhaps you are the
smart guy who knows how insecure wireless networks are. You
too are at just an equal risk!
Your computer consultant might be partially right when they
say WEP will protect your network. It will protect your
network from casual snooping but that is about it. Last
year the FBI was able to crack a WEP protected network in
less than 3 minutes with tools widely available on the
internet. Since then it’s been downhill for WEP.
At this point you might be thinking, “Oh well, someone gets
on my network and uses the internet”. This is completely
false. If someone has gone through the process of getting
on your network chances are the only thing they want is not
internet access. Any computer security professional will
tell you that physical access to the network is 95% of the
security battle. Once this has been accomplished you can
consider all of your data compromised. Customer invoices,
customer data, credit card numbers and passwords to
financial institutions will all be in the hands of a hacker.
One in many methods can be used to gain access to your
personal data, whether it’s through Key loggers, Trojans, or
just by sniffing your plaintext network traffic.
Maybe, just maybe, I have not convinced you of the
insecurities of wireless networks. Let me tell you about
another attack that hackers can use to gain access to your
network. Let’s say your access points are completely locked
down, to your knowledge. A user from your network goes and
flips on their laptop while sitting in an airport terminal
waiting for a plane. They see an available insecure
wireless network so they click on it and connect. None of us
have ever done this before right, itching to check their
email one last time before heading out of town? Unbeknownst
to them they have just clicked on a fake honeypot wireless
network, set up by a rogue hacker that before they can even
realize their machine is already being scanned. Picture for
a moment that user could be anywhere, even sitting at a desk
in your network. Just as long as the rogue access point is
stronger than your AP’s radio signal you’re security is
done.
May be you fall into the category of never setting up
wireless networks because you read about their insecurities.
How then can you be at risk? Just consider for a moment
that a user in your organization fires up his wireless card.
See’s a wireless network that is named XYZCorp after your
company. So they connect to it and immediately a script is
hammering their machine for security vulnerabilities. Once
again they connected to a rogue access point setup by a
hacker. Now you might be thinking. “C’mon you must have to
be a computer genius to find and run these tools.” Think
again, thanks to the kind people over at remote-exploit.org
all these tools can be downloaded in one big happy ISO file.
Burned to a CD as an image and bang you’re done, ready to
take a drive to the nearest business and start sniffing
credit card numbers. Everything wrapped into a nice package
just waiting for the next script kiddy to start running the
programs. You may be thinking ok this is a major problem so
what should I do? Give up my organizations ability to use
wireless networks? This isn’t exactly what we are saying.
A newer wireless security technology has taken over in 2004
called WPA. It is more secure than WEP. And so far tools
are not as readily available to hack your network. But
consider the following. WEP was ratified in the late 1990’s
less than six years later it was exploited. This is typical
of almost every computer technology. It is only a matter of
time before technologies are exploited. Just always
remember Security is a multi-tiered companywide
responsibility. From providing physical security to web
site security all matters should be considered serious and
not taken lightly. So before you grab a wireless access
point and slap it in your network, I urge you to think
twice.
You may think you are in a sinking boat because you are a
small organization not able to implement the latest
technologies and afford the newest access points. Or maybe
you cannot afford to pay an IT staff over 100k-200k a year
to maintain your medium size network. Executives at
N2
Network Solutions say you should consider IT outsourcing or
IT consulting. You can get Industry certified engineers on
a project by project basis. Contractual relationships are
also available to dump the responsibility of your network
into their hands for a fraction of the price. To keep your
small to medium size network performing like a Fortune 500
machine invest the capital and secure your assets.
Jeremy Whittaker is a Senior Consultant for N2 Network Solutions, a leader in Phoenix IT Outsourcing, providing computer services and Phoenix IT Consulting.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Whittaker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Wireless-Network-Secure?&id=256379
Wireless networking in today's market is everywhere. But is it secure? Even if you haven't installed or configured wireless networking in your network. You can still be at risk.
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