Wi-Fi Network Security: Avoiding Common Mistakes

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Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity is a wireless network allowing computing devices to connect to the internet. A wireless router is what facilitates this connection. However not securing the wireless system can lead to anybody accessing or even manipulating it. Therefore, enforcing Wi-Fi network security is important to avoid the dangers of open networks. Open or unsecured networks are at the risk of easy information plunder. Such networks lacking encryption can have many adverse consequences and your personal data can be exposed to cyber threats.

What could be the possible risks?

  • The risk of experiencing IP spoofing where the attacker attempts to break-in to the network by mimicking a trusted IP address.
    • Domain Name System (DNS) poisoning, this attack is also known as “DNS spoofing” or “DNS cache poisoning”, happens when fake data is put into a domain name server’s cache which causes DNS queries to give wrong answers, leading users to the wrong websites.
    • Piggybacking is another risk where an unknown user uses the network without acknowledgement from the source user—also known as wardriving when the users try to access the network for ‘free’ by deliberately passing through densely populated areas to gain access.

    Moreover, using convenient public Wi-fi’s could expose you to multiple risks like:

    • Man-in-the-middle attacks where hackers intercept your communication.
    • Fake wi-fi networks with similar names can be devised to steal your personal data.
    • Malware distribution can occur by compromising unsuspected user device.
    • Data Interception can be employed to use your data.

    Risks like these can compound network issues if accurate prevention measures are not in place. Putting up security checks is not a tedious task and can be strengthened if certain mistakes are avoided.

    To mention a few of the mistakes:

    • Using default settings.
    • No frequent password updates or use of weak passwords.
    • Not checking the router for firmware updates.
    • Using the same password and name for the Wi-Fi account and the router’s administrative account.
    • Leaving the router in an accessible position.

    To counter them, important considerations should be taken care of:

    1. Use secure encryption like WPA3 Personal or WPA2 AES.
    2. Set up strong passwords and update them regularly.
    3. Monitor network activity.
    4. Ensure regular firmware updates.  

    1. Enabling Encryption

    Encrypting your router is pivotal in Wi-Fi network security to block foreign entities from accessing your network. Encryption scrambles your messaging across the network thereby protecting them from access. There are wireless security protocols to choose from for achieving the best possible encryption. This includes WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3.

    WPA or Wi-fi Protected Access came after the very first WEP that provided basic encryption. WPA had an edge over WEP due to its efficiency and compatibility with older software. WPA2, the next-in-line, provides easy configuration and has better security over WPA with versions available for enterprises and individuals. WPA3, the latest of the forerunners is the most secure and works well across the latest Wi-Fi 6 networks.

    2. How To Set Up a Strong Password?

        Brute force attacks, where attackers guess passwords to access your network, are common. Protect your Wi-Fi by setting a strong, unique password. Practice good password hygiene: avoid sharing passwords via email or messages, use different passwords for different accounts, and never store them in unencrypted systems. Change passwords regularly, at least every three months, and avoid reusing old ones. Aim for passwords with at least 12 characters.

        3. Monitor Network Activity

          Monitoring network activity enables you to keep a check on anything suspicious or any anomaly that takes place over your network. It is important that you monitor all the networks that are connected to you to identify any miscreants accessing your wi-fi. This will help you weed out rogue connections and ensure the judicious use of Wi-fi. Apart from this, hiding the network’s service set identifier (SSID) and disabling remote administration can be an added cover for network security.

          4. Regular Firmware Update

            The software of the hardware is what we know as firmware that helps in better functioning of the hardware. In their absence, hackers can implant malware and spy over your network, typically working by infecting the firmware to attack the system’s hardware over remote connections like Wi-Fi. Regular updates on the firmware can prevent this infection and remote access as it closes any possible security gaps that may arise over time.

            Prevention is better than cure, which is how this activity can be summed up. Maintaining a strong posture on Wi-Fi network security is crucial for security hygiene, as the wireless space is not devoid of vulnerabilities and attack surfaces. Since many of us rely on public Wi-Fi, especially when traveling, it’s important to take precautions to protect the personal data. Learn how to stay secure on public Wi-Fi with this helpful video:


            Sources:
            https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/what-is-wi-fi-security.html#~q-a
            https://www.cisco.com/c/en_in/products/wireless/what-is-wifi.html
            https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/dns-poisoning
            https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/high-risk-communities/projectupskill/module5
            https://www.infosecawareness.in/concept/children/good-and-strong-password
            https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-encrypt-your-wireless-network-2487653
            https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/what-is-firmware https://www.lenovo.com/in/en/glossary/secure-network/