A Guide to Wireless Security Solutions
What is wireless security?
Wireless security, also known as Wi-Fi security, helps prevent unwanted users from accessing a specific wireless network. It aims to keep data secure by making it accessible only to authorised users.
How does wireless security work?
Wireless security protocols such as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) were developed by the Wireless Alliance to ensure wireless security. Generally, wireless security protocols fall into four types:
• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
The first step to securing your network is identifying which of these your network falls under.
5 wireless security solutions
The external and internal policies, security, and management you have in place should offer strong protection and the flexibility to adapt to changing threats. Below are a few solutions — some suited to any networking environment, others aimed specifically at wireless security threats.
1. Firewalls
A quality firewall is a strong security foundation for your organisation, preventing unauthorised access while offering secure availability for on-site and remote staff, business partners, and customers. Firewalls remain a security staple across almost all networking environments — wired and wireless.
2. Content filtering
Like firewalls, content filtering is essential in all network environments, as it helps protect internal activity. Filtering and monitoring software also keeps employees safe from accessing content online that could harm operations.
3. Intrusion detection
Another solution suited to wired and wireless networks, intrusion detection and prevention software offers the intelligence needed to quickly identify and halt attacks, worms, threats, and viruses.
4. Authentication
Authentication and identification methods secure the data on your network. Alongside password protection, solutions such as key fobs and biometric authentication ensure that only authorised people can access secure data, keeping your wireless network safe.
5. Data encryption
Today's business climate depends on gathering, analysing, and sharing vital information about your organisation and its customers. Data encryption safeguards the wireless networks, Virtual Private Networks, and Secure Socket Layers you use to share that data.
Final thoughts
Securing your wireless network should be a top priority to keep your data safe. The solutions above are practical to put in place even if you aren't especially technical. Remember that wireless network security can often be a weak point, making it more susceptible to attack — so it's worth following this guidance to prevent as many threats as possible. While no method is completely failsafe, each is worthwhile in reducing risk.