Final answer:
Data-link layer vulnerabilities in wireless networks include weak encryption protocols, susceptibility to jamming or interference, and potential for eavesdropping on insecure communications. These can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches, highlighting the need for improved security measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the vulnerabilities existing at the data-link layer in wireless networks. At this layer, several vulnerabilities can be exploited which can lead to security issues. Some key vulnerabilities include unauthorized access due to weak encryption methods, such as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which has known flaws. Other vulnerabilities lie in the protocols themselves, like WiFi Protected Access (WPA) being less secure than its successor WPA2. Additionally, the susceptibility to interference, both intentional such as with jamming attacks, and unintentional due to other electronic devices like leaky microwave ovens, introduces potential risks. Moreover, devices like WiFi routers and cell phones can be targets for eavesdropping to intercept unsecured or poorly secured transmissions.
Technological dependence creates a scenario where targeted attacks on infrastructure can have broader implications, impacting even essential services and potentially leading to system failures. Considering wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and white spaces, and the increasing use of the 2.4-GHz to 5.0-GHz range for wireless communication, these vulnerabilities underscore the importance of robust security measures and ongoing vigilance to protect against data breaches and ensure data integrity.