Apparatus, method and system for improving network security

Abstract

Devices, systems and related methods are disclosed for improving operational security of a network and/or network devices, such as wireless access points (APs). In the disclosed systems, a network device is not fully operational until it is attached to a network and downloads sensitive information. The information is stored in the network device so that when the device is disconnected from the network, the sensitive information is erased from the device, making the device inoperative and removing sensitive information, such as passwords, network security keys, or the like. Disabling the network device in this manner not only prevents the theft of sensitive network access information, by also discourages theft of the device itself because it cannot be used on another network without the configuration information. In addition to downloading configuration information, the network device can also download an executable image that is likewise not permanently resident on the device.