In the era of advanced technology, wireless networks are increasingly being deployed in organizations, homes and public environments. This is to add to the convenience of users. However, users are reconsidering the security of their networks to prevent malicious attacks and misuse of confidential data. Network administrators focus on security planning to identify the areas of threat.
Network administrators have to adopt security measures to mitigate the threats of operating a wired network as well as the risks introduced in wireless protocols. Before the implementation of a wireless network, security assessments are done to identify threats that will be introduced in the environment. Various factors are considered while conducting the risk assessment. System performance, security policies and technical requirements are some of the factors considered for the assessment.
After risk assessment, planning and implementation are done to protect systems and mitigate risks. Policies and measures should be reassessed on a regular basis to be abreast with the latest computer technologies and malicious threats that are continuously evolving.
Salient Threats of Wireless Networks
Wireless networks are subjected to various kinds of threats. All the threats and vulnerabilities that exist in a conventional wired network are also applicable to wireless networks. Some of the salient threats are as given below:
Organizations and individual users need to take necessary precautions to ensure security of the wireless network. Some of them are as given below:
Network administrators have to adopt security measures to mitigate the threats of operating a wired network as well as the risks introduced in wireless protocols. Before the implementation of a wireless network, security assessments are done to identify threats that will be introduced in the environment. Various factors are considered while conducting the risk assessment. System performance, security policies and technical requirements are some of the factors considered for the assessment.
After risk assessment, planning and implementation are done to protect systems and mitigate risks. Policies and measures should be reassessed on a regular basis to be abreast with the latest computer technologies and malicious threats that are continuously evolving.
Salient Threats of Wireless Networks
Wireless networks are subjected to various kinds of threats. All the threats and vulnerabilities that exist in a conventional wired network are also applicable to wireless networks. Some of the salient threats are as given below:
- Unauthorized access to a network, bypassing firewall protections
- Confidential information being transmitted between wireless devices, without encryption
- Malicious code or virus corrupting data on a wireless device and eventually getting introduced to a wired connection
- Denial of service attacks directed at wireless connections or devices
- Malicious entities misuse the identity of legitimate users and intrude wireless networks
- Deployment of unauthorized equipment by malicious entities to gain access to sensitive and confidential data
- Corruption of sensitive data due to improper synchronization
- Data extraction due to improper configuration of devices
- Unauthorized users or intruders, who gain connectivity to network management controls can disrupt operations
Organizations and individual users need to take necessary precautions to ensure security of the wireless network. Some of them are as given below:
- Establishment of wireless network security policies and procedures
- Deployment of appropriate security settings for wireless devices
- Isolation of internal networks from wireless network connection