What is wireless security?

Wireless Security and Its Importance

Wireless security is specifically designed to prevent unauthorized users from accessing other people's wireless networks and stealing sensitive information. The type of wireless security used by an individual is determined by its wireless protocol. Today, many homes and businesses rely on wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, which is incredibly effective in keeping users connected to the internet 24/7.

What Wireless Network Security Means

Wireless network security, also known as wireless security, is the process of designing, implementing, and ensuring security on a wireless computer network. It is a subset of network security that adds protection to wireless computer networks. There is another aspect to it: Wi-Fi signals can be broadcast outside the walls of a home or business, making the network susceptible to hacking. The ease of access for individuals in neighboring homes or even nearby locations emphasizes the importance of ensuring strong wireless security.

Risks of Weak Wireless Networks

Weak wireless networks are exposed to various risks. For instance, intruders may access personal information, steal the network owner's identity, and use it against them. Wireless network security primarily protects the network from unauthorized and malicious access attempts. Typically, wireless security is provided through wireless devices (usually routers/wireless adapters) that encrypt all wireless communications and secure them by default. Even if wireless security is breached, the intruder won't be able to view the content of transmitted traffic/packets.

Moreover, wireless intrusion detection and prevention systems alert the wireless network administrator in the event of a security breach. It's worth noting that there are at least four wireless protocols, including:

1. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).

2. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).

3. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2).

4. Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3).

Wireless Security Protocols

Wireless protocols are designed to protect wireless networks used in homes and other types of buildings from intruders and unauthorized users. As mentioned earlier, there are four wireless security protocols, each differing in strength and capability. These protocols also encrypt private data during transmission over the airwaves, thereby safeguarding individuals' data from intruders.

Here is an in-depth look at the types of wireless protocols everyone should know:

1. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

   WEP is the first-ever wireless security protocol developed. Despite being designed in 1997, it is still in use today. However, it is considered the most flawed and least secure wireless security protocol. It uses a very old security algorithm and employs the Initialization Vector (IV) method. The early versions of the WEP algorithm were not strong enough, mainly due to U.S. export restrictions on various encryption technologies. Manufacturers restricted their devices to 64-bit encryption. With the lifting of these restrictions, 128-bit and 256-bit WEP encryption were introduced to the wireless security market.

2. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

   This wireless security protocol follows WEP and is designed to address the weaknesses present in WEP. It uses the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and Pre-Shared Key (PSK), among other things, for encryption. Notably, it addressed the significant vulnerabilities of the WEP standard and was officially adopted in 2003.

3. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)

   WPA2, succeeding WPA, comes with enhanced features and encryption capabilities. For instance, WPA2 uses the Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP) instead of TKIP. This replacement feature is known to be effective in data encryption, making WPA2 the preferred wireless security protocol. WPA2 became official in 2006 after WPA became outdated.

4. Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)

   WPA3 is a modern wireless protocol with improved encryption capabilities, keeping intruders away from both private and public networks. WPA3 is the latest and third version developed within the Wi-Fi Alliance. It includes features supporting personal and enterprise security, using the 384-bit hash-based message authentication code and the 256-bit Galois/Counter Mode Protocol (GCMP-256). WPA3 also provides perfect forward secrecy support.

Wi-Fi Security Tips

• Check for Rogue Wi-Fi Access Points: Checking for rogue Wi-Fi access points is crucial as they pose a significant security threat by providing a means for intruders to access your network. The best way to do this is by conducting a Wi-Fi site survey at your home or office building. A recommended application for this purpose is NetSpot, which not only detects rogue access points but effectively eliminates them.
  
  Note: A rogue access point is a Wi-Fi access point set up by an attacker. It is supposed to mimic a legitimate access point provided by a company, such as a café offering free Wi-Fi to its customers.

• Enhance Personal Wi-Fi Encryption: To enhance the encryption of your personal Wi-Fi, you need to identify the wireless communication protocol it uses. As mentioned above, using NetSpot can help identify the encryption type.

• Secure Wi-Fi Password: Individuals can change their Wi-Fi password to something less predictable. To ensure a strong password, a combination of different letters and numbers can be used. Security protocols are also important, and the newer the version, the better the network protection. It is crucial to set a strong password for the network, as both WPA and WPA2 protocols allow passwords up to 63 characters.

• Hide Network Name (SSID): The service set identifier (SSID) is often set to broadcast the name of the wireless network. This increases the vulnerability of the network. It can easily be changed to "hidden," making it difficult for anyone to connect if they don't know the wireless network name.

• Keep Your Router Updated: Before setting up a new router or updating the current one, visit the manufacturer's website to check if a newer firmware version is available for download. Keeping your router updated ensures that you have the latest security features and fixes for potential vulnerabilities.