A GUIDE TO WIRELESS SECURITY SOLUTIONS
Wireless internet has grown to be an integral part of our life that it is nearly impossible to function with network access. People across the globe rely on Wi-Fi to achieve almost everything from ordering groceries to entertainment. However, with the ubiquity of the internet comes the underlying danger of hackers who are constantly trying to access your private data and information.
Going forward, everything from your phone to the refrigerator and air conditioner can be operated leveraging a wireless internet connection. Hence, you know it is vital that you know how to keep your Wi-Fi safe and secure.
In this article, we take a look at everything from the basics of Wi-Fi security to solutions to wireless network security.
WHAT IS WIRELESS SECURITY?
Essentially, wireless security helps prevent unwanted users from accessing a specific wireless network. Also known as Wi-Fi security, wireless security aims to keep data secure by making it only accessible to authorized users.
HOW DOES WIRELESS SECURITY WORK?
Wireless Security Protocols like Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) are developed by authentication security protocols put forth by Wireless Alliance to ensure wireless security. Generally, wireless security protocols are of four types:
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA 2)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA 3)
The first step to securing your network is identifying the network yours falls under.
5 WIRELESS SECURITY SOLUTIONS
The external and internal policies, security, and management network design and deployment you have in place should offer top-notch security and possess the flexibility to adapt to changing threats. Having a good idea of these policies will help you determine how to manage access to your wireless network and figure out ways to keep authorized users safe and secure while blocking unauthorized users.
Mentioned below are a few wireless security solutions, of which some are fit for any networking environment while others are designed to address wireless security threats. By adopting a comprehensive approach, your organization will be able to protect its wireless network from intruders.
1. FIREWALLS
A quality firewall is like a strong security foundation for your organization that will prevent unauthorized access while offering secure network availability for your on-site as well as remote staff, business partners, and customers. Currently, firewalls happen to be a security staple in securing almost all networking environments—both wired and wireless.
2. CONTENT FILTERING
Just like the previous solution, content filtering is essential in all network environments as it helps protect your internal activity. In addition, filtering and monitoring software will keep your employees safe from accessing content through the internet that could potentially harm your operations.
3. INTRUSION DETECTION
Another solution ideal for wired and wireless networks, intrusion detection and prevention software, offers the necessary software intelligence that will help your network quickly identify and halt attacks, worms, threats, viruses, and more.
4. AUTHENTICATION
As the name suggests, authentication and identification methods will secure the data on your network. Alongside password protection, solutions like key fobs and biometric authentication also ensure that only people with authority can access secure data, thereby keeping your wireless network safe.
5. DATA ENCRYPTION
Currently, the business climate depends on gathering, analyzing, and sharing vital information about your organization and its customers. Data encryption safeguards the wireless networks, Virtual Private Networks, and Secure Socket Layers you use to share data.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Securing your wireless network should be a top priority to keep your data safe and secure. The solutions mentioned in this article are easy to put into practice even if you are a non-tech-savvy person.
Remember that your wireless network security can often be weak. Therefore it is susceptible to more attacks. For this reason, it is imperative you follow the advice mentioned in this article to prevent as many cyberattacks as possible. While not all of these methods are failsafe, they are worthwhile in mitigating threat risks as much as possible.
Read also: Wireless vs Wired Networks