What Is Wi-Fi Security?
1.
Wi-Fi security is the protection of devices and networks connected in a
wireless environment. Without Wi-Fi security, a networking device such
as a wireless access point or a router can be accessed by anyone using
a computer or mobile device within range of the router's wireless signal.
Wireless security is, in essence, preventing unwanted users from accessing a particular
Wi-Fi network. More so, wireless security, also known as Wi-Fi security, aims to ensure
that your data remains only accessible to users you authorize.
Common Wireless Security Threats
st common ways cybercriminals gain access to WiFi networks is through
password attacks. They can do this by guessing or cracking the password. To
prevent this type of attack, it is crucial to create a strong password that includes a
combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using
common words, personal information, and predictable patterns.
2. Man-in-the-middle attacks
A man-in-the-middle attack occurs when a hacker intercepts communication
between two devices on a network. They can then steal sensitive information or
inject malware into the network. To prevent this type of attack, always use a
virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public WiFi networks. Also,
avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts and credit cards
when using public WiFi.
3. Rogue access points
Rogue access points are unauthorized WiFi devices that hackers set up to gain
access to a network. They can be difficult to detect as they appear to be
legitimate access points. To prevent this type of attack, regularly scan your
network for unauthorized devices. Also, ensure that your WiFi router is
password-protected and that you regularly update its firmware.
4. Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping is when a hacker listens in on the communication between two
devices on a WiFi network, allowing them to steal sensitive information, such as
passwords and credit card numbers. To prevent this type of attack, ensure that
your WiFi network is encrypted using the latest protocols, such as WPA3, and
avoid using outdated ones such as WEP.
5. Denial-of-service attacks
A denial-of-service (DoS) attack is when a hacker floods a network with traffic,
making it inaccessible to users. To prevent this type of attack, use a firewall to
block traffic from suspicious IP addresses. Also, limit the number of devices that
can connect to your network.
Secure Wi-Fi Practices - Best Practices for Wireless
Security
The importance of wireless network security cannot be understated. With
the proliferation of mobile devices and the popularity of public Wi-Fi
hotspots, the potential for data breaches and other cybersecurity threats
has increased exponentially.
While there are many different steps that can be taken to secure a
wireless network, these 12 best practices are essential for ensuring that
your data and devices are safe from malicious actors.
1. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to the login
process. It requires users to enter both a username and password, as well
as a code that is generated by an authenticator app. This makes it more
difficult for someone to gain unauthorized access to the network.
To enable two-factor authentication, access the wireless router's
configuration page and enable the feature. Be sure to download an
authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Authy and have it
available when logging in.
You can also consider using passwordless authentication like cloud radius
for even more robust protection. This is an important best practice
because if someone does manage to get a hold of your password, they'll
be able to access your network. By using a cloud-based solution, you can
be sure that only authorized users will be able to access your network.
2. Using A Strong Password
Using a strong password is one of the most important best practices for
wireless network security. A strong password is at least eight characters
long and includes a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and
symbols. Passwords should be changed regularly to ensure that they
remain secure.
3. Encrypting Data
Encrypting data is another important best practice for wireless network
security. Data encryption scrambles data so that it can only be decrypted
and read by authorized users. This helps to protect sensitive information
from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Encryption can be implemented in a number of ways, including through
the use of encryption software, hardware, or services. Make sure that
employees are aware of the importance of encrypting sensitive data and
that they know how to properly encrypt files.
4. Disabling SSID Broadcast
Disabling SSID broadcast is another best practice for wireless network
security. When SSID broadcast is enabled, it allows anyone within range of
the wireless network to see the network's name. You can disable SSID
broadcast by accessing the wireless router's configuration page and
disabling the SSID broadcast feature.
The goal is to make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to
connect to the network. The SSID can still be seen if someone is within
range of the network and uses a wireless network scanner, but it will not
be as easily accessible.
5. Using MAC Filtering
Using MAC filtering is another best practice for wireless network security.
MAC addresses are unique identifiers assigned to devices that connect to
a network.
By allowing only devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to the
network, you can help to prevent unauthorized access. MAC filtering can
be implemented by accessing the wireless router's configuration page and
adding the MAC addresses of devices that are allowed to connect to the
network.
6. Enabling WPA3 Security
Enabling WPA3 security is another best practice for wireless network
security. WPA3 is the most recent and most secure wireless security
protocol. It provides stronger protection than WPA2 and should be used
whenever possible.
When shopping around for a router, make sure to look for ones that
support this most recent security protocol. Earlier protocols were easier to
compromise, so it is important to make sure that WPA3 is enabled.
7. Using A VPN
Using a VPN is another best practice for wireless network security. A VPN
encrypts all traffic between a device and the VPN server, making it more
difficult for someone to eavesdrop on the connection. This is especially
important when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often less secure
than private ones. Be sure to only use VPNs from trusted providers and
make sure that employees are aware of the importance of using a VPN
when working remotely.
8. Disabling Remote Administration
Disabling remote administration is another best practice for wireless
network security. When remote administration is enabled, it allows
anyone with the proper credentials to access the router's configuration
page and make changes to the network. This can be a security risk, as it
allows unauthorized individuals to potentially gain access to the network.
To disable remote administration, access the wireless router's
configuration page and disable the feature. This will help to prevent
unauthorized access to the network.
9. Changing The Default Password
Changing the default password is another best practice for wireless
network security. Many routers come with a default password that is easy
to guess. This can be a security risk, as it allows unauthorized individuals
to potentially gain access to the network.
To change the default password, access the wireless router's configuration
page and change the password to something that is more difficult to
guess. Be sure to choose a strong password that is at least 8 characters
long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and
symbols.
10. Using A Firewall
Using a firewall is another best practice for wireless network security. A
firewall helps to protect the network by blocking incoming traffic that is
not authorized. This can be especially important in preventing attacks
from malware and other malicious software.
To use a firewall, access the wireless router's configuration page and
enable the feature. There are typically two types of firewalls: network-
based and host-based. Network-based firewalls are typically used in
business environments, while host-based firewalls can be used on
individual devices.
11. Disabling UPnP
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a protocol that allows devices to
automatically discover and connect to each other. This can be a security
risk, as it allows unauthorized devices to potentially gain access to the
network. To disable UPnP, access the wireless router's configuration page
and disable the feature. You can also disable UPnP on individual devices
by accessing the settings menu.
12. Disabling Unnecessary Services
You often find that routers come with a number of unnecessary services
enabled. These can be a security risk, as they can provide potential
attackers with information about the network. To disable unnecessary
services, access the wireless router's configuration page and disable any
services that are not needed. This will help to reduce the attack surface of
the network. Common unnecessary services include things like telnet,
SSH, and HTTP.
WHAT IS WIRELESS NETWORK
MONITORING?
Manage Devices & Maintain Reliable Connections
WNM is a set of tools that proactively and continuously monitors all aspects of a
network, including the wide range of devices. These devices can be access points
(APs), wireless routers, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. WNM checks these
devices while maintaining the reliable connection that organizations depend on.
Continuous Monitoring
To maintain a seamless Wi-Fi network, problems must be discovered immediately
through notifications from the WNM, so that end users don’t experience the issue
before it’s detected. Because wireless networks are comprised of mostly wireless
devices, they lack the physical interfaces that would normally alert network
managers to any problems. As such, these networks need constant monitoring so
that any outages and downtime are avoided.
THE BENEFITS OF WNM
Ensure Business Continuity and Increase
Productivity
Organizations depend on a reliable Internet connection to keep business running
smoothly. Wi-Fi brings even more benefits to employees so they can stay connected
no matter where they are on the property. With effective WNM, companies ensure
that there are no outages because issues are detected and network managers are
notified immediately.
This improves overall productivity and satisfaction within a business, not to
mention reducing the need for support calls, thus saving valuable time. Fewer
support personnel may be required as well, saving money in the long run.
Avoid Network Downtime
In our current wireless, wearable age, there are going to be more wireless devices
within a network than there are wired devices. And WNM allows network managers
to monitor all types of devices, giving them the ability to make quick, evidence-
based decisions about how to address a problem.
Solve WLAN Problems Before They Reach Users
A big benefit of implementing WNM is that problems can be diagnosed and solved
before they reach end users. This mitigates complaints or eliminates them
altogether, as users won’t be aware that there was an issue in the first place.
Easy Access Through Cloud Hosting
7SIGNAL uses cloud hosting so that instant access is available from anywhere. This
also helps organizations avoid maintenance like software upgrades or lengthy
backup processes, as these processes are implemented automatically and with no
disruption to the network’s performance or user experience.
Total Visibility Into Wi-Fi Performance
Because 7SIGNAL’s WNM system is available to view from anywhere, any permitted
browser within the network will have visibility into Wi-Fi performance within the
entire organization. This also applies to any configuration changes that are applied
—managers can immediately and simply verify their true impact on the network.
What is physical security?
Before getting into specifics, let’s start with a physical
security definition. Simply put, physical security is the
protection of your people, property and assets. This
includes the physical protection of equipment and tech,
including data storage, servers and employee computers.
Physical security is often jokingly referred to as just
being “guards and gates”, but modern physical security
systems consist of multiple elements and measures,
for example:
Site layout and security configuration: where are
your weak points? What needs the most protection?
Visibility of critical areas: including lighting and
video cameras
Access control: from simple locks through to
keypads and biometric access
Perimeter protection: the “guards and gates” aspect
of physical security
Intrusion detection: including motion sensors,
cameras and tripwire alarms
Infrastructure protection: including power, fire,
network connectivity and water
Staff training and incident response: do your
employees know how to handle an incident, and do
you have an emergency response process in place?
What is physical security?
A common definition of physical security includes security measures designed to limit
access to authorized individuals, as well as any resources that protect personnel from
harm and property from damage.
So, in the simplest term, physical security is defined as the securing and protecting of
organizational assets from coming to harm as a result of physical events. These events
can range from natural disasters such as fires and floods, to human-inflicted dangers
including theft and vandalism. Accidents and accidental damage also fall under the
umbrella of events that may be covered by a physical security plan.
So, what do physical security systems and plans entail? On the surface, physical
security measures include locks, gates, video security cameras and security guards.
Although these are excellent strategies, there are deeper layers that you should take
into account when creating a physical security plan.
An effective plan should include equipment and technology, and can work alongside
these areas:
Training: Ensure your staff has the proper knowledge in implementing your
physical security strategy.
Site design and layout: Equipment and physical security components should be
strategically placed to complement the design and layout of your facility.
Emergency response readiness: Staff in your facility should be trained on what
to do during certain situations and emergencies.
Access control: Understand how you will assign access to your staff and limit
access for restricted spaces.
Environmental components: Create safety measures to mitigate damage from
intentional or unforeseen natural disasters that may happen.
