Wireless networks do a lot more than just clean up the physical appearance of your office. They also improve the mobility of your workforce and allow visitors to easily access their own tools, systems, and data.
However, where there’s wireless connectivity, there are also security concerns. Fortunately, solutions are readily available that can make wireless networking just as safe as wired connections. I’ll explore them in this blog!
Securing Wireless Networks: 101
Wireless security is the prevention of unauthorized access or damage to computers or data using wireless networks, which include Wi-Fi networks.
Typically, wireless network security is delivered through wireless devices (usually a router/switch/access point) that encrypts and secures all wireless communication by default. That way, even if a hacker were able to tap into your network, they would be unable to view any of your data. But that's not all wireless network security entails.
There are many different ways a hacker can attack your network and, therefore, many different ways you’ll need to secure it.
Security Issues in Wireless Environments
A recent study found that 47% of Wi-Fi networks have inadequate security measures in place. While threats can occur in any networking environment (denial of service), some are specific to wireless (rogue access and passive capturing). Let’s take a look at a few:
Denial of Service
A distributed denial of service (DDOS) attack is a relatively simple one that relies on limiting access to services on a wired or wireless network. This hack is commonly accomplished by routing a tremendous amount of traffic at a specific target, which overwhelms the targeted device and ultimately disrupts service. It is also possible for hackers to launch a denial of service attack by simply disrupting the signal by causing enough interference on one channel.
Rogue Access
A common method of attack used by hackers is the use of a rogue access point that is set up within range of your existing wireless network. The concept behind a rogue access point is simple. Hackers establish these false networks to fool people and devices in range to use those access points. This allows hackers to access data and information on legitimate devices that would otherwise be secure.
Passive Capturing
Passive capturing is another threat to security on your wireless network. Hackers will set up devices within range of your network and capture information traveling within your network. Some hackers will then break through your existing security settings by analyzing network traffic, while others will simply try to access sensitive information.
5 Tips for Wireless Security
The best approach to wireless security is to figure out which external and internal policies, management, and security design will offer your organization the level of security you need along with some flexibility to adapt to changing threats.
The first three solutions below are best practices for any networking environment (No. 1-3), while four and five are specifically designed to address wireless security threats.
1. Upgrade Your Firewall
With a quality next-generation firewall, your company can establish a strong security foundation to prevent unidentified access while still offering an easy way for your on-site and remote staff, business partners, and customers to connect.
2. Invest in Intrusion Detection
Intrusion detection and prevention software — found in wired and wireless networks — provides your network with software intelligence to immediately identify and halt attacks, threats, worms, viruses, and more.
3. Don’t Overlook Content Filtering
Content filtering is just as important as the first two solutions in all network environments because it helps protect you from internal activity. Filtering and monitoring software prevents your employees from accessing content via the internet that could potentially be harmful to your operations.
End users are frequently the weakest links in an organization’s cybersecurity, which is why you’ll find content filtering (among many other suggestions) featured on our cybersecurity checklist.
4. Require Additional Authentication
Authentication and identification methods protect the secure data on your network. In addition to password protection, solutions such as key fobs and biometric authentication ensure that only those with proper authority to access your secure data can do so, keeping your wireless network safe.
Nowadays, authentication should not just happen once, say, at the outer perimeter. More and more companies are embracing zero trust architecture, where no one is trusted by default — even once they’ve accessed your network.
5. Follow Data Encryption Best Practices
Today’s business climate relies upon collecting, analyzing, and sharing vital information about your business and its customers. Data encryption can be used to secure wireless networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), and secure socket layers your data is shared on. But avoid common pitfalls like storing your key incorrectly or failing to set smart policies about what data will be encrypted and at what level.
What Is the Best Security for a Wireless Network?
Even if there were a single answer to this question, months from now, it could change. However, if you’ve already implemented the five recommendations I outlined above, you’re probably in pretty good shape.
One-and-done security solutions for wireless networks are evolving quickly, and fortunately, at Marco, we have the time and the resources to keep on top of all types of next-generation security solutions. We’re well positioned to be able to recommend the types of networks that will best fit your needs now and in the future, and the providers who have demonstrated that they can provide the reliability and responsiveness that will serve you well.
Click the link below to learn more about how we can make wireless connectivity simple, secure, and better!
