Wireless Network Security
What does Wireless Network Security mean?
Wireless network security is the design, implementation, and certification of the security of a wireless computer network. It is a subset of network security that provides security for a wireless computer network.
Wireless network security is also known as wireless security. Wireless network security primarily protects a wireless network from unauthorized and malicious access attempts. Typically, wireless network security is delivered through wireless devices (usually a wireless router/switch) that encrypts and secures all wireless communication by default. Even if the wireless network security is compromised, the hacker is not able to view the content of the traffic/packet in transit.
There are different ways of security threats to wireless networks.
· Hackers can steal information from a company.
· Obtain unauthorized access to the application.
· Disrupt the operation of the network.
Threats to Wireless Network Security
· Unauthorized Access
· Passive Monitoring,
· Denial of Service (DoS)
Unauthorized Access
Similar to monitoring a wireless application, someone can effortlessly access a corporate wireless network from outside the facility if the proper precautions are not taken. Someone can, for example, sit in a parked car and associate with one of the wireless base stations located inside a building. Without proper security, this person can access servers and applications residing on the corporate network. This is similar to letting a stranger inside your home or office.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
smart hackers can still find vulnerabilities because of the way that networking protocols operate. A definite weakness is a man-in-the-middle attack, which is when a hacker places a fictitious device between the users and the wireless network. For example, a common man-in-the-middle attack exploits the common address resolution protocol (ARP) that all TCP/IP networks utilize. A hacker with the right tools can exploit ARP and take control of the wireless network.
Traffic Monitoring
An experienced hacker, or even casual snooper, can easily monitor unprotected wireless data packets using tools such as AirMagnet and AiroPeek, which fully disclose the contents of wireless data packets. For example, snoopers can monitor all transactions occurring over the wireless portion of the network several hundred feet away from the building that has the wireless LAN. Of course, the issue is that anyone can identify usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and so on.
Denial of Service
A Denial of Service (DoS) attack is an assault that can cripple or disable a wireless network. The possibility of such an attack is something that anyone deploying wireless networks should consider. Be sure to think about what could happen if the wireless network becomes unavailable for an indefinite period of time.
The severity of the DoS attack depends on the impact of the wireless network becoming inoperative. For example, a hacker could disable someone’s home wireless LAN, but the result will probably just inconvenience the homeowner. A DoS attack that shuts down a wireless inventory system, however, could cause major financial loss.
Ways to Secure Your Wireless Network
Here are some easy and effective ways to secure your wireless network
1. Enable Encryption
With encryption turned on, only people given the encryption key will be able to access your wireless connection. Presently, WPA-PSK encryption is highly preferred since it’s proven to be more secured compared to WEP encryption. If your router only has WEP Encryption, it definitely is time for you to purchase a new wireless router. You can enable encryption by going to your wireless connection’s Security settings.
2. Limit Wireless Signal Range
The farther you are from a router, the weaker the signal will be. This generally results in difficulty in connecting to the network and is the reason why you should limit your signal range to secure your wireless network. You can generally accomplish this by going to your router’s administrative setting and lowering your signal strength.
3. Disable Remote Administration
All routers can be accessed and modified through the Web. While this feature may be useful for some occasions, often than not, it can only endanger your wireless network. For that reason, it is best to disable your remote administration completely. You can find this option on your router’s administrative setting, but your device must be wired to the router for this to be done.
4. Filter Users Based on MAC Addresses
The MAC (machine access code) address is something all network-enabled devices have. Not all routers have this feature, but if your specific router has one, then it is best to start using it right now. You can add your devices’ unique address to your router’s MAC filter.
Summary
The wireless network is more important, and we cannot imagine a life without it. We use the internet throughout the day but keep your device connected to some wire while using it is unimaginable. With all the good features or qualities there is a dark side to it too. We should take all the possible measures to secure the wireless network because leaving it unprotected may have consequences.
In this article, I describe the Threats to Wireless Network Security and Ways to Secure Your Wireless Network. These matters may help secure your wireless networks.
References
[1]
“Wireless network security,” in Introduction to Network Security, Singapore: John Wiley & Sons Singapore Pte. Ltd, 2016, pp. 211–252.
[2]
“Security Threats,” Etutorials.org. [Online]. Available: http://etutorials.org/Networking/wn/Chapter+8.+Wireless+Network+Security+Protecting+Information+Resources/Security+Threats/. [Accessed: 22-Dec-2020].
[3]
A. Bansal, “7 ways to secure your wireless network,” Small-bizsense.com, 22-May-2013. [Online]. Available: https://small-bizsense.com/7-ways-to-secure-your-wireless-network/. [Accessed: 22-Dec-2020].
