Information security
Subtitle: federal agencies have taken steps to secure wireless networks, but further actions can mitigate risk : report to congressional committees
Contributors: Wilshusen, Gregory C.
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 45
Subjects: Wireless communication systems; Security measures; Computer networks; Wireless LANs; Administrative agencies; Evaluation
Other titles: Federal agencies have taken steps to secure wireless networks, but further actions can mitigate risk
Description: Over the past several years, federal agencies have rapidly adopted the use of wireless technologies for their information systems. In a 2005 report, GAO recommended that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in its role overseeing governmentwide information security, take several steps to help agencies better secure their wireless networks. GAO was asked to update its prior report by (1) identifying leading practices and state-of-the-art technologies for deploying and monitoring secure wireless networks and (2) assessing agency efforts to secure wireless networks, including their vulnerability to attack. To do so, GAO reviewed publications, guidance, and other documentation and interviewed subject matter experts in wireless security. GAO also analyzed policies and plans and interviewed agency officials on wireless security at 24 major federal agencies and conducted additional detailed testing at these 5 agencies: the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration. GAO is making two recommendations to OMB to enhance governmentwide oversight and four recommendations to the Department of Commerce for additional guidelines related to wireless security.
Notes: Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed on Dec. 2, 2010).

"November 2010."

"GAO-11-43."

Includes bibliographical references

System requirements: Adobe Reader.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.