Network Security

[bgii_2000]

Implementing a wireless networking solution in your practice can be benefitial, if you meet these two essential requirements:

1. NEED. Do you need a wireless network? Will you be toting laptops around, accessing network resources on the go? Do you want your patients to have an internet cafe in your waiting room? Is there some other reason that you need portabilty? Our office doesn't meet this requirement. All of our computers are desktop workstations, and the Doc doesn't have a laptop. Don't go wireless just because the tech guy is too lazy to run CAT5.

2. SECURITY. Do you have the ability and the know-how to secure a wireless network? Can you protect your network from wireless attacks? How about the innocent Exec who decides to mooch off your connection to check his e-mail in the waiting room. or the not-so-innocent War Driver sitting in your parking lot, pringles can in hand. Once again, our office falls short. I have no clue how to secure a wireless network, and I wouldn't feel comfortable learning how to do so on the fly. So before you make the switch, make sure you have the ability to support, maintain, and secure a wireless network.

All in all, a wireless network can be a useful tool. But it can be a dangerous one as well. As Michael mentioned in the other thread, dropped signals can result in corrupt data. If you are considering making the switch, make sure you do it for the right reasons, and only after evaluating your ability to make such a change.