Re: 802.11b open system authentication

From: flip (flip_alpha_at_safebunch.com)
Date: 10/22/03 

Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 19:33:16 -0700

"David Wagner" <daw@mozart.cs.berkeley.edu> wrote in message
news:bn4ik7$hhd$2@agate.berkeley.edu...
> flip wrote:
> >Let see, in 802.16 you have: [all sorts of complex RF layer stuff]
> [...]
> >Adding an authentication schema adds about 1% obfuscation to an attacker.
> >
> >That is the point I was trying to make. Some lesser systems may not have
> >the ability/resources to provide digital certificates, signatures and
> >encryption/decryption, but the point is who cares. It is not needed for
> >most applications and when it is add it pre base station and post cpe;
> >otherwise all you provide is a basic privacy model and that is all.
>
> Still defending "security through obscurity", are you?
> I don't think you're going to get very far. We all know better.
> This is the same reasoning that left 802.11 with such lousy security.
>
> When 802.11 manufacturers are selling equipment capable of intercepting
> 802.11 for under $200, your argument about the complexity of interception
> falls flat on its face.

Of course if I were talking about 802.11, I'd completely agree with you.

I am also not advocating security through through obscurity (which I think
is not very smart).

Perhaps you should read my reply to the OP as I was trying to answer his
question as to why this is left out of some implementations. I can make a
valid argument as to why one would leave it out of 802.16, which comes down
to money. In the real world, that is an actual concern.

If money is no object, then by all means add as many levels of obscurity as
your schedule allows.

Again, see if you can understand the question as was trying to answer and
please don't put words in my mouth.

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