Vulnerability Discussion

Allowing devices and users to connect to or from the system without first authenticating them allows untrusted access and can lead to a compromise or attack. Since wireless communications can be intercepted, it is necessary to use encryption to protect the confidentiality of information in transit.

Wireless technologies include, for example, microwave, packet radio (UHF/VHF), 802.11x, and Bluetooth. Wireless networks use authentication protocols (e.g., EAP/TLS, PEAP), which provide credential protection and mutual authentication.

This requirement applies to those operating systems that control wireless devices.

Check

Verify the operating system protects wireless access to and from the system using encryption. If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix

Configure the operating system to protect wireless access to and from the system using encryption.