Chapter 34Network Security

Section § 22948.5

Explanation

This section defines key terms used in a specific legal chapter. It explains what 'federally unlicensed spectrum' means, detailing that it refers to frequencies that don't require a specific license from the Federal Communications Commission but allow for shared use with certified equipment. It also specifies that a 'small office' is a business with 50 or fewer employees. Additionally, it defines 'spectrum' as the range of frequencies used for sending electromagnetic signals, and describes 'wireless access point' and 'wireless client' as components of a wireless network.

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.5(a) “Federally unlicensed spectrum” means a spectrum for which the Federal Communications Commission does not issue a specific license to a user, but instead certifies equipment that may be used in a segment of spectrum designated for shared use.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.5(b) “Small office” means a business with 50 or fewer employees within the company.
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.5(c) “Spectrum” means the range of frequencies over which electromagnetic signals can be sent, including radio, television, wireless Internet connectivity, and every other communication enabled by radio waves.
(d)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.5(d) “Wireless access point” means a device, such as a premises-based wireless network router or a wireless network bridge, that allows wireless clients to connect to it in order to create a wireless network for the purpose of connecting to an Internet service provider.
(e)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.5(e) “Wireless client” means a wireless device that connects to a wireless network for the purpose of connecting to an Internet service provider.
federally unlicensed spectrum small office electromagnetic signals wireless access point wireless client FCC spectrum frequencies wireless network connectivity shared spectrum use communication technologies Internet service provider connection wireless network router wireless network bridge
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 860, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)

Section § 22948.6

Explanation

If you buy a new wireless device like a router or access point in California for a small office or home, it must have some safety features to keep your network secure. These devices must either show a security warning during setup, have a removable sticker with security advice, or have other built-in protections. The purpose is to inform consumers about potential unauthorized access to their networks and guide them on how to secure it. This applies to devices made after October 1, 2007, and used in specific wireless frequencies.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(a) A device that includes an integrated and enabled wireless access point, such as a premises-based wireless network router or wireless access bridge, that is for use in a small office, home office, or residential setting and that is sold as new in this state for use in a small office, home office, or residential setting shall be manufactured to comply with one of the following:
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(a)(1) Include in its software a security warning that comes up as part of the configuration process of the device. The warning shall advise the consumer how to protect his or her wireless network connection from unauthorized access. This requirement may be met by providing the consumer with instructions to protect his or her wireless network connection from unauthorized access, which may refer to a product manual, the manufacturer’s Internet Web site, or a consumer protection Internet Web site that contains accurate information advising the consumer on how to protect his or her wireless network connection from unauthorized access.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(a)(2) Have attached to the device a temporary warning sticker that must be removed by the consumer in order to allow its use. The warning shall advise the consumer how to protect his or her wireless network connection from unauthorized access. This requirement may be met by advising the consumer that his or her wireless network connection may be accessible by an unauthorized user and referring the consumer to a product manual, the manufacturer’s Internet Web site, or a consumer protection Internet Web site that contains accurate information advising the consumer on how to protect his or her wireless network connection from unauthorized access.
(3)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(a)(3) Provide other protection on the device that does all of the following:
(A)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(a)(3)(A) Advises the consumer that his or her wireless network connection may be accessible by an unauthorized user.
(B)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(a)(3)(B) Advises the consumer how to protect his or her wireless network connection from unauthorized access.
(C)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(a)(3)(C) Requires an affirmative action by the consumer prior to allowing use of the product.
Additional information may also be available in the product manual or on the manufacturer’s Internet Web site.
(4)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(4) Provide other protection prior to allowing use of the device, that is enabled without an affirmative act by the consumer, to protect the consumer’s wireless network connection from unauthorized access.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(b) This section shall only apply to devices that include an integrated and enabled wireless access point and that are used in a federally unlicensed spectrum.
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 22948.6(c) This section shall only apply to products that are manufactured on or after October 1, 2007.
wireless access point network security unauthorized access home office small office safety features security warning configuration process temporary warning sticker consumer protection product manual manufacturer's website federally unlicensed spectrum integrated wireless device
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 860, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)

Section § 22948.7

Explanation

This section means that if a part of this chapter is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the chapter remains effective. The idea is that the invalid part can be removed without affecting the rest of the law.

The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provision of this chapter or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect any other provision or application that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
severability invalid provision law application legal enforceability provisions separation chapter enforcement independent provisions legal validity application without invalidity
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 860, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)