TechTarget Articles and Webcasts

CoreCom writes monthly columns, presents webinars, and answers reader
questions for these TechTarget publications.

Wireless Questions and Answers

As a site expert searchMobileComputing and searchNetworking,
Lisa Phifer answers questions submitted through this website form:

Wireless Networking Questions

Mobile Technologies and Trends

Lisa's articles are published by searchMobileComputing and sister websites:

SearchMobileComputing Column Index
SearchEnterpriseWAN: Mobile WAN routers (Mar, 2010)
SearchFinSec: Best practices to secure wireless networks (Jan, 2010)
Smartphone insecurity: There's an app for that (Jan, 2010)
eGuide: Windows Mobile: Enabling Business Mobility (Nov, 2009)
Revamping MDM strategy (Oct, 2009)
Mobile device management checklist (Oct, 2009)
Future proofing mobile device management (Oct, 2009)
Managing mobile device diversity (Oct, 2009)
eBook: The Mobile Enterprise: Taking wireless to the next level (Sep, 2009)
Easing the iPhone into the Enterprise (June 17, 2009)
iPhone Hacking (Mar 2, 2009)
eBook: Mobile Security (Dec 9, 2008)
Boosting business productivity with Bluetooth (Nov 20, 2008)
Securing data on your Windows Mobile (Oct 16, 2008)
eGuide: Cost Effective Mobile Device Management (Sep 17, 2008)
In-the-Cloud Mobile Malware defenses (Sep 18, 2008)
On-device defenses against Mobile Malware (Aug 21, 2008)
Mobile Malware: Coming to a phone near you? (Jul 17, 2008)
Protecting data on your BlackBerry (Jun 20, 2008)
Symbian: Protect your data, not just your device (May 21, 2008)
New challenges in mobile device discovery (Apr 17, 2008)
Mobile device security: Guarding the Gate (Mar 20, 2008)
Effectively Protecting Your Mobile Devices (Feb, 2008)
Mobile device security: Auditing the Airwaves (Feb 21, 2008)
Avoiding breaches through mobile encryption (Dec 20, 2007)
Improving mobile authentication (Dec 5, 2007)
Mobilizing your workforce: Key questions tip [& podcast] (Oct 25, 2007)
Ensuring mobile device compliance [& podcast] (Aug 16, 2007)
Using 3G phones for laptop Internet access (Jul 26, 2007)
Regulatory compliance: The impact of mobile devices [& podcast] (Jun 21, 2007)
Choosing your next mobile computing device (Apr 19, 2007)
Mobile devices: Corporate security strategies (Feb 14, 2007)
Location-based services for your mobile (Dec 22, 2006)
Networking Calendar: VoIP on the go (Nov 27, 2006)
Wireless options for PDAs/smartphones, Part 1 (Nov 15, 2006)
Wireless adapters for PDAs/smartphones, Part 2 (Nov 15, 2006)
Mobile VPN Roadtest: NetMotion (Sep 21, 2006)
Mobile VPN: Closing the gap (Aug 16, 2006)
Going 3G: Can you hear me now? (Jul 24, 2006)
3G wireless: The long and winding road (Jun 22, 2006)
Trimming mobile telecomm costs with Skype (Jun 14, 2006)
Wireless laptop evolution (Jan 19, 2006)

Wireless Advisor

Lisa also writes Wireless LAN tips for searchNetworking:

Offering wireless security services – New opportunities (Aug, 2010)
Myth vs. Reality: WLAN automation (Aug, 2010)
Step-by-step Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting for Android (Jun, 2010)
Step-by-step Wi-Fi troubleshooting for iPhone/iPad/iPod (Jun, 2010)
Step-by-step Wi-Fi troubleshooting for Windows Clients (May, 2010)
Bypassing iPad Wi-Fi connection problems (Apr, 2010)
Integrated NMS across wireless/wired infrastructure (Feb, 2010)
Preparing wired networks for wireless integration (Feb, 2010)
How to reach max 802.11n speed and throughput (Jan, 2010)
Integrating wireless into wired LANs: The business case (Dec, 2009)
Leveraging new WLAN standards (Dec, 2009)
Offering FMC services can benefit solution providers (Nov, 2009)
How to plan for 802.11n WLAN upgrades (Sep, 2009)
Deploying 802.11n APs: Best practices (Aug, 2009)
Will using a VPN protect against fake hotspots (Aug, 2009)
802.11n security series (Jun, 2009)
Monitoring to detect rogue access points (Apr, 2009)
How 802.11n Greenfield affects nearby networks (Apr, 2009)
Secure roaming across WiMAX, 3G, and 802.11n (Mar, 2009)
Securing embedded 802.11n devices (Mar, 2009)
802.11n's impact on WLAN security (Mar, 2009)
How to avoid the WPA MIC attack (Jan, 2009)
Mastering 802.11n: Tips and answers (Oct, 2008)
Measure WLAN performance using iPerf (Sep, 2008)
How to prioritize wireless traffic (Jul, 2008)
802.11n: Preparing for enterprise deployment (Jun, 2008)
Ten steps to wireless LAN security (Apr 25, 2008)
Upgrading to 802.11n: Key considerations (Apr 11, 2008)
Top 5 tools for troubleshooting a WLAN (Jan 15, 2008)
Understanding 802.11n wireless antennas (Jan 11, 2008)
RF troubleshooting with spectrum analysis (Oct 11, 2007)
WLAN connection troubleshooting (Sep 13, 2007)
Defending Wi-Fi Clients (May 24, 2007)
Wireless Internet access -- 3G vs. Wi-Fi (Apr 26, 2007)
Stopping dropped connections (Nov 14, 2006)
TechNote: Putting hotspot security to the test (Aug, 2006)
Troubleshooting WLANs: A systematic approach (Jul 28, 2006)
Five steps to stamp out unsafe Wi-Fi use (Jun 7, 2006)
WLAN usage monitoring (Apr 20, 2006)
Troubleshooting your Wi-Fi problem (Apr 13, 2006)
Purchasing the right Wi-Fi client (Mar 23, 2006)
Staying safe in Wi-Fi hot spots (Feb 16, 2006)
Challenges posed by 802.11 wireless (Dec 14, 2005)
Don't get bitten by Bluetooth (Nov 17, 2005)
Chasing away your wireless blues (Nov 17, 2005)
Show me the money: WLAN ROI (Oct 20, 2005)
When quality counts: 802.11e, WMM, and beyond (Sep 14, 2005)
B vs. G: Understanding mixed WLAN performance (Aug 17, 2005)
Eliminating interference thru Wi-Fi spectrum analysis (Jul 21, 2005)
Upgrading your WLAN to WPA2 (Jun 15 2005)
Creating a Wireless Security Policy (May 19, 2005)
Managing Wi-Fi Stations (Apr 19, 2005)
Going The Distance With MIMO (Mar 15, 2005)
Understanding Wireless LAN Signal Strength (Feb 16, 2005)
Moving Freely Between Access Points (Jan 19, 2005)
Beyond Wireless Intrusion Detection (Dec 16, 2004)
Using WPA Without Enterprise AAA (Nov 17, 2004)
Locking Down Wireless Hotspots With 802.1X (Oct 20, 2004)
Spyware: Is Someone Watching You? (Sep 16, 2004)
WLAN Enhancements in XP SP2 (Aug 18, 2004)
802.11i: Robust and Ready To Go (Jul 14, 2004)
Using Virtual APs to Enable Coexistence (Jun 16, 2004)
Lisa Phifer's 2004 Predictions (Dec 4, 2003)
The buzz over VoWLAN (Aug 8, 2003)
Signs of WLAN intrusion (Jul 21, 2003)
On the horizon: News from 802.11-Planet (Jul 7, 2003)
Consolidating control using WLAN switches (Jun 23, 2003)
Upgrading to Wi-Fi protected access (Jun 6, 2003)
Wireless Adapters for your PDA (May 23, 2003)
Securing teleworker wireless LANs (Apr 8, 2003)
Configuring service set identifiers (Apr 21, 2003)
Policy-driven WLAN Security (Mar 26, 2003)
Understanding wireless antennas (Mar 8, 2003)
Keeping Wireless Intruders Away (Feb 27, 2003)
Migrating to 802.11g (Feb 20, 2003)
Choosing between 802.11a and 802.11b (Feb 11, 2003)
Keeping tabs on 802.1X (Jan 6, 2003)
Bolstering Wireless LAN Security (Jul 25, 2002)

Midmarket Security Tips

Lisa Phifer's security tips appear at SearchMidmarketSecurity:

SearchMidmarketSecurity Home Page
How to use Microsoft Windows 7 AppLocker for whitelisting (Oct, 2009)
How to automate and apply Windows 7 AppLocker rules (Oct, 2009)
The pros and cons of Microsoft Windows 7 DirectAccess (Sep, 2009)
Dealing with smartphone theft: Part 1 - Remote lock and track (Jul, 2009)
Dealing with smartphone theft: Part 2 - Remote wipe on a budget (Jul, 2009)
Avoiding the risks of Free Public Wifi ad hocs (Jun, 2009)
Eliminate rogue wireless access points in five steps (Apr, 2009)
Three steps to secure smartphones on a budget (Mar, 2009)
Safe but simple wireless authentication (Mar, 2009)
Choosing a Midmarket Authentication Server (Mar, 2009)

InfoSec Magazine Features

Lisa is a contributing editor for Information Security Magazine:

Removable Storage Device Security (Apr 2010)
Best Remote Access Products (Sep 2009)
Mobile Security Strategies (Nov 2008)
Revamping Remote Access (Nov 2007)
Emerging Technologies: Mobile Data Security (Jul 2007)
Boxed In: Enterprise UTM (Mar 2007)
Get A Grip: Mobile Device Security (Apr 2006)
No Sweat: Turnkey Security Appliances (Aug 2004)
VPNs: Tunnel Visions (Aug 2003)
Air Safety: WLAN Security (Apr 2003)
E-Mail Security (May 2001)

SearchSecurity Tips

Portable USB thumb drive encryption (Apr 12, 2010)
Keeping networks secure during an 11n upgrade (Dec 1, 2009)
Smartphone security: Nipping malware in the bud (Nov 3, 2008)
Closing the Windows Mobile loophole (Nov 20, 2007)
Strategies for preventing laptop leaks (Aug 20, 2007)
Fighting Spyware with UTM (Mar 27, 2007)
Taking the bite out of Bluetooth (Oct 31, 2006)
Understanding IPsec ID options (Jul 17, 2006)
Policies for reducing mobile risk (Apr 25, 2006)
Understanding protocols that power VoIP (Jan 29, 2006)
Don't get bitten by Bluetooth (Nov 17, 2005)
Beyond wireless intrusion detection (Jan 10, 2005)
SSL VPNs and client authentication (Mar 31, 2004)
Client security considerations for SSL VPNs (Mar 23, 2004)
Factors to consider with a managed S2S VPN (Mar 31, 2004)
Integrating RADIUS with an MSSP's RA VPN (Mar 31, 2004)
IPsec selectors and their use in RA VPNs (Mar 31, 2004)
10 Common questions on WLAN security (Jun 30, 2003)
Policy-driven WLAN security (Jun 26, 2003)

E-Guides: 802.11n Wireless

These E-Books and E-Guides explore enterprise concerns regarding the benefits
of upgrading to 802.11n wireless and offers advice and insight into securing and
managing these bigger, faster, more robust WLANs.

Workshop: Integrating Networking and Security

This Networking Security Workshop, developed by Lisa Phifer and David Piscitello,
takes an in-depth look at how the integration of security and networking teams,
products and processes are affecting enterprises.

Wireless Lunchtime Learning Series

This series, developed by Lisa Phifer for SearchSecurity and SearchNetworking,
lets you develop an in-depth understanding of WLAN risks and countermeasures.
Each lesson consists of a short on-demand strategy webcast, followed by tactical
tips that explain how to apply that strategy.

Series Outline
Entrance Exam
Lesson 1
Webcast: Risky business: Understanding Wi-Fi threats
Tip: Wireless attacks, A to Z
Tip: Wi-Fi vulnerability assessment checklist
Tip: Recipe for rogue hunting
Lesson One Quiz
Lesson 2
Webcast: From the ground up: Creating a secure wireless infrastructure
Tip: Using VLANs to compartmentalize WLAN traffic
Tip: The role of VPN in enterprise wireless
Tip: Wireless AP placement basics
Lesson Two Quiz
Lesson 3
Webcast: Who goes there?: Securing wireless access
Tip: Controlling WLAN access on a budget
Tip: Choosing the right flavor of 802.1X
Tip: Combining 802.1X and VLANs for WLAN authorization
Tip: Defeating Evil Twin attacks
Lesson Three Quiz
Lesson 4
Webcast: I'll be watching you: Wireless IPS
Tip: Fighting wireless DoS attacks
Tip: Rogue containment methods
Tip: Overlay vs. embedded WIPS sensors
Tip: Using your WIPS to monitor WLAN performance
Lesson Four Quiz
Exit Exam

TechTarget Webcasts and Podcasts

On-demand webcasts and presentations delivered by
Lisa Phifer and Dave Piscitello include the following:

Videocast: 802.11n upgrade considerations in a nutshell (Apr, 2010)
Videocast: Protecting corp data on employee smartphones (Apr, 2010)
Webcast: Integrating 802.11n into your WLAN (Jan, 2009)
Webcast: Safeguarding Smartphones (Nov, 2008)
Podcast: Mastering 802.11n (Jun, 2008)
Podcast: Wireless hotspot security (Mar, 2008)
Webcast: Building High-Performance WLANs (Mar, 2008)
Webcast: Remote Access with SSL VPN and NAC (Feb, 2008)
Webcast: Evolving techniques for secure remote access (Nov, 2007)
Podcast: Mobilizing your workforce: Key questions [& tip] (Oct, 2007)
Webcast: NAC: Beyond endpoint security (Sep, 2007)
Webcast: Laptop Lockdown – Encrypting Data (Aug, 2007)
Workshop Lesson: Fabric Integration (Aug, 2007)
Workshop Lesson: Securing the Branch Office (May, 2007)
Webcast: UTM - The New Breed (Mar 28, 2007)
Workshop Lesson: Wireless LAN Security (Mar, 2007)
Workshop Lesson: Network Access Control (NAC) (Mar, 2007)
Podcast: The Truth about Security and Mobile Access (Jan, 2007)
Podcast: VPN FAQs for channel pros (updated Apr, 2009)
Webcast: Top 5 Ways to Lock Down Your Mobile Devices (Oct 27, 2006)
Podcast: Security Issues for Mobile Devices (Oct 27, 2006)
Webcast: Guarding the Gate: VPN deployment strategies (Jul 13, 2006)
Podcast: Road Ahead: Emerging VPN Trends (Jul 13, 2006)
Webcast: Moving target: Locking down mobile devices (Apr 21, 2006)
Wireless LAN Lunchtime Learning (Mar 28, 2006)
Webcast: 10 Remote Access Tips in 10 Minutes (Feb 22, 2006)
Commonly Overlooked Security Hazards (May 18, 2005)
Foolproof Initiatives to Boost Your Network Security (May 18, 2005)
Improve Productivity Safely: Securing Your WLAN (Jan 2005)
Security Strategies for Remote Workers (Jan 2004)
Deploying Wi-Fi Protected Access (Nov 2003)
Migrating to IP-based VPNs (Jul 2004)
Securing Wireless PDAs (May 2003)
Locking your WLAN: Part 2 - Countermeasures
Quiz for Part 2 (Jun 2003)
Locking your WLAN: Part 1 - Identifying Threats
Quiz for Part 1 (Jun 2003)
Making Sense of 802.11 Standards (Dec 2002)
Troubleshooting IPsec VPNs (Oct 2002)
Using VPNs to Secure Wireless Networks (Apr 2002)
Understanding IPsec VPN Crypto (Mar 2002)
Make Your WLAN Secure (Feb 2002)
Secure Remote Access VPNs (Apr 2001)
Securing VPNs with IPsec (Oct 2001)
Deployment of RA VPNs (Dec 2001)
Managed Security Outsourcing (Nov 2000)
Network-Based VPNs (Dec 2000)
Security and QoS for VPN (Nov 2000)

Hint: To view webcasts, you must disable pop-up blockers and accept cookies.

Security Spotlight

Lisa Phifer's searchNetworking series on security appliances:

E-Guide for Upgrading Your Network (Dec, 2007)
Content Filtering Appliances (Jan 30, 2007)
Mail Security Appliances (Dec 13, 2006)
SSL VPN Appliances (Nov 15, 2006)
NAC-in-a-Box Appliances (Nov 7, 2006)
Network Behavior Analysis Appliances (Oct 23, 2006)
Application Firewall Appliances (Sep 21, 2006)
Identity Management Appliances (Jul 21, 2006)
Wi-Fi Firewall Appliances (Jun 16, 2006)

Expert Answer Center WLAN Blog

A few WLAN blog posts written by Lisa Phifer for TechTarget:

Hear ye! Hear ye! IEEE 802.11i gets ratified! (Jul 19, 2004)
Finding 802.11 networks (Jul 20, 2004)
Automating Spectrum Management: 802.11h (Jul 21, 2004)
Wireless hotspot security (Jul 22, 2004)
WLAN certifications (Jul 23, 2004)
Finding Wi-Fi hotspots (Jul 26, 2004)
Where Wireless LAN meets WAN (Jul 27, 2004)
Hi-Ho MIMO (Jul 28, 2004)
WLAN interference (Jul 29, 2004)

Wireless-to-Go Product Reviews

An old product review series developed for searchNetworking:

Wireless-to-Go Column Index.
Belkin's Bluetooth USB adapter goes the distance (Jun 22, 2004)
Sygate Security Portal neutralizes public PC threats (Apr 23, 2004)
Segue: Integrated roaming from home to office to hot spot (Mar 29, 2004)
D-Link ships WPA in USB format (Mar 3, 2004)
Kensington WiFi Finder falls short (Feb 19, 2004)
Understanding the Wireless Landscape (Jan 6, 2004)
Get To Know Your a, b, g's: AirMagnet Trio (Dec 23, 2003)
Columbitech Wireless VPN enables Secure Mobility (Dec 1, 2003)
AppGate secures intranet access from PDAs, laptops (Nov 17, 2003)
Bluefire brings Pocket PCs under IT control (Nov 3, 2003)
Sprint CF2031 Adds 3G Wireless to PDAs, Laptops (Oct 3, 2003)
BlackBerry 6210 offers multifeatures, small footprint (Sep 9, 2003)
G at last: D-Link's AirPlus XtremeG (Aug 18, 2003)
Roaming intranet access over Wi-Fi: iPassConnect (Jul 17, 2003)
Internet tools for your Pocket PC: vxUtil (Jun 30, 2003)
Boingo's hotspot finder handy but wet behind ears (Jun 19, 2003)

VPN Articles

We still write an occasional article on Virtual Private Networking as well:

Best Remote Access Products (Sep, 2009)
VPN FAQs for Channel Pros (updated Apr, 2009)
Advantages of an extranet-based VPN (Feb, 2009)
NAT Traversal vs. IPsec Passthrough (Feb, 2009)
Revamping Remote Access (Nov 2007)
Closing the Windows Mobile loophole (Nov, 2007)
10 Remote Access Tips in 10 Minutes (Feb, 2006)
VPNs: Tunnel Visions (Aug 2003)
VPN Client Alternatives - Part 4: IPsec (Nov 29, 2002)
VPN Client Alternatives - Part 3: L2TP (Oct 31, 2002)
Debugging IPsec VPNs: Q&A (Oct 24, 2002)
Cyberspace Policy Waiting Game (Sep 26, 2002)
VPN Client Alternatives - Part 2: PPTP (Aug 26, 2002)
VPN Client Alternatives - Part 1: Needs (Jul 30, 2002)
Gateways for Secure Wireless Access (Jun 21, 2002)
Using Secure Shell with Wireless PDAs (May 28, 2002)
Securing PDA Network Access Over Cellular (Apr 5, 2002)
Crypto for VPNs: Q & A (Mar 29, 2002)
Securing PDA Access To WLANs (Feb 26, 2002)
Securing PDA Enterprise Network Access (Jan 25, 2002)
Troubleshooting IPsec VPN clients (Oct 2001)
VPN: Virtually Anything (Apr 2001)
Featured VPN Articles (Apr 2001)