Potential Security Concerns with Wireless Connections

Here are some of the common security vulnerabilities associated with Wi-Fi networks:

• Unauthorized access: Hackers can gain access to a wireless network by compromising the network password or exploiting vulnerabilities in the network router or firmware.

• Weak or default passwords: Many users use weak or default passwords for their wireless networks, making them easier to crack for attackers.

• Disabled encryption:  To enhance performance, some people disable encryption on their Wi-Fi networks. However, this opens the door for attackers to intercept traffic on the network.

• Open networks: Open networks are Wi-Fi networks that do not require a password to connect. This type of network is particularly vulnerable to attack, as anyone within range can connect to it.

• Outdated firmware: Firmware updates for wireless routers that incorporate security fixes are common. Many individuals, however, do not install firmware updates on their routers. As a result, their networks may be subject to known security flaws.

• Misconfigured routers: Wireless routers can be misconfigured in a number of ways that can make them vulnerable to attack. For example, some routers may have ports that are unnecessarily left open or may have weak encryption enabled.

• SSID broadcasting: When you enable SSID broadcasting, the name of your Wi-Fi network is transmitted to everyone within range. This makes it simple for attackers to find and target your network.

How Can Hackers Gain Access to a Wireless Network?

Hackers can gain access to a wireless network in a number of ways, including:

• Brute-force attacks: A brute-force attack includes attempting a very large number of passwords until the correct one is discovered. This form of attack can be effective against weak or default passwords.

• Dictionary attacks: A dictionary attack involves trying a list of common passwords until the correct one is found. This type of attack is also effective against weak or default passwords.

• Phishing attacks: A phishing attack entail duping the victim into disclosing their password. For example, an attacker might send a fake email to the victim that appears to be from their internet service provider (ISP). The email might contain a link to a fake website that looks like the ISP's website. If the victim enters their password on the fake website, the attacker will be able to steal it and use it.

• Exploiting security vulnerabilities: Hackers can potentially gain network access by exploiting security flaws in wireless routers. An attacker, for example, may uncover a weakness in the router's firmware that allows them to execute code on the router. This code might then be used to steal the router's password or obtain access to network-connected devices.

How Can You Protect Your Wireless Network from Hackers?

There are a number of things you can do to protect your wireless network from hackers, including:

• Use a strong password: Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Enable encryption: Enable encryption on your wireless router. This will encrypt the data that is transmitted over the network, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept.

• Disable SSID broadcasting: Disable SSID broadcasting to prevent your network from being easily identified by attackers.

• Keep firmware up to date: Install firmware updates for your wireless router as soon as they are available. This will help to patch any known security vulnerabilities.

• Use a firewall: A firewall can help to protect your network from unauthorized access. Most wireless routers have a built-in firewall. However, you may also want to consider installing a firewall on your computer or other devices.

• Be careful about what networks you connect to: Only connect to wireless networks that you trust. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN.

Security Measures for Wired LAN Connections

While LAN connections are more secure than wireless connections, there are still a number of security measures that can be taken to protect them, including:

• Use strong passwords: All devices on the network should have strong passwords.

• Enable encryption: Enable encryption on your wireless router. This will encrypt the data that is transmitted over the network, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept.

• Enable encryption: Encryption should be enabled on all devices on the network to protect data from being intercepted.

• Implementing network segmentation: Network segmentation divides the network into smaller subnets. This can help to contain the damage if a subnet is compromised.

• Using a firewall: A firewall can help to protect the network from unauthorized access.

• Using intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS): An IDS/IPS can help to detect and prevent malicious activity on the network.

• Keeping firmware up to date: Firmware updates for all devices on the network should be installed as soon as they are available.

• Create a guest network for visitors. This will help to keep your main network more secure.

In addition to the security advantages listed above, wired LAN connections also offer the following benefits:

• Reduced interference: Wired LAN connections are less susceptible to interference from other devices or environmental factors than wireless connections. This can lead to improved performance and reliability.

• Centralized management: Wired LAN connections can be centrally managed, making it easier to deploy and maintain security policies.

• Scalability: Wired LAN connections can be easily scaled to support a large number of devices and users.

Balancing Security and Convenience

There is a trade-off between security and convenience when selecting a network type. LAN connections are more secure, but often inconvenient. Wireless connections are less secure, but they are more handy in this age of connected technology. The appropriate network type for you will be determined by your specific demands and requirements. If security is of the utmost importance, LAN connections are the better choice. Wireless connections, on the other hand, may be considered if convenience is more essential to you.

Modern Wi-Fi Security Technologies

In recent years, there have been a number of advancements in Wi-Fi security. These advancements have helped to address some of the historical vulnerabilities associated with Wi-Fi.

WPA3

WPA3 is the latest and most secure encryption protocol for wireless networks. It uses a number of advanced security features to protect data from being intercepted and to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network.

One of the key features of WPA3 is that it uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE). SAE is a new handshake protocol that is more resistant to attack than the previous handshake protocol, WPA2-Personal.

WPA3 also includes a number of other security features, such as:

• Improved protection against brute-force attacks

• Enhanced protection against denial-of-service attacks

• Improved security for IoT devices

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology. It offers a number of improvements over previous Wi-Fi generations, including faster speeds, better performance in crowded environments, and improved security.

One of the key security features of Wi-Fi 6 is that it uses WPA3 encryption. WPA3 is the most secure encryption protocol available and it offers a number of advanced security features.

In addition to WPA3 encryption, Wi-Fi 6 also includes a number of other security features, such as:

• Target Wake Time (TWT): TWT allows devices to negotiate when they will wake up to receive data. This can help to save battery life and improve security.

• Protected Management Frames (PMF): PMF encrypts management frames, which can help to protect against certain types of attacks.

• Opportunity Network Access (ONA): ONA allows devices to connect to each other directly without the need for a Wi-Fi access point. This can be useful in situations where there is no Wi-Fi access point available or where the Wi-Fi access point is unreliable.

Addressing historical vulnerabilities

Modern Wi-Fi security technologies, such as WPA3 and Wi-Fi 6, address many of the historical vulnerabilities associated with wireless networks. For example, WPA3 provides stronger encryption and protection against password attacks. Wi-Fi 6 also includes a number of security features that protect the Wi-Fi management plane from attack.

Updating Wi-Fi equipment for enhanced security

One of the best ways to improve the security of your Wi-Fi network is to update your Wi-Fi equipment. Many older Wi-Fi devices do not support WPA3 encryption or other modern security features.

If you have an older Wi-Fi router, consider upgrading to a new router that supports WPA3 and other modern security features. You should also make sure that all of your wireless devices are running the latest firmware.

Conclusion

Wireless and LAN connections offers different advantages and disadvantages in terms of security. While wireless connections are more convenient, they are also more susceptible to attack. LAN connections are more secure, but they can be less convenient. 

The best type of connection for you will depend on your individual needs and requirements. If security is a top priority, LAN connections are the better choice. However, wireless connections offer a number of other advantages, such as convenience and mobility.

If you do choose to use a wireless network, there are a number of things you can do to improve its security, such as:

• Using strong passwords

• Enabling encryption

• Disabling SSID broadcasting

• Keeping firmware up to date

• Using a firewall

Here are some additional tips for choosing and securing your network:

• Consider your needs and requirements . What is most important to you: security, convenience, or both.

• Choose the right type of connection for your needs. If security is a top priority, LAN connections are the better choice. However, wireless connections offer a number of other advantages, such as convenience and mobility.

• Take steps to secure your network. Once you have chosen a network type, there are a number of things you can do to improve its security, such as using strong passwords, enabling encryption, and keeping firmware up to date.

In today's digital world, it is more important than ever to secure your wireless network. Wireless networks are convenient and universal, but they are also vulnerable to attack. By following the best practices outlined here, you can help to mitigate the security risks associated with wireless connections and protect your data from unauthorized access.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Assess and improve the security of your wireless network. Use the tips in this blog to assess the security of your wireless network and identify any areas for improvement.

• Learn more about wireless security and how to protect your network. There are a number of resources available online that can teach you more about wireless security and how to protect your network.

• Stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and solutions. Security threats are constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and solutions. You can do this by reading security blogs and articles, and by subscribing to security alerts from trusted sources.

• Implement the best practices for securing wireless connections.  Be sure to implement identified best practices to protect your network from attack.

• Seek professional assistance for network security assessments. If you need help assessing the security of your wireless network or implementing security best practices, consider seeking professional assistance from a qualified network security consultant.

Check out these blogs on our subsidiary’s website that talks more about wireless vs. LAN connections

Written by

Robin Hau

Executive Vice President, Managed IT Services

Robin, founder of USWired, a Quatrro Business Support Services subsidiary, boasts 25+ years' experience in IT services. Under his leadership, USWired earned spots on prestigious lists as the Inc. 5000, MSP 501 and CRN MSP 500.