Strengthening Wi-Fi Networks: Addressing Security Concerns and Recommendations

Author: Shaun Peapell, VP of Global Threat Services

As part of Rootshell’s comprehensive security testing strategies, Wi-Fi network security testing plays a fundamental role in the overall pursuit for cyber resiliency. This fact should resonate not only in the corporate world but also in our personal lives, especially where remote working is now such a commonplace.

The bottom line here is Wi-Fi networks have become an integral part of our connected lives, enabling seamless internet access and connectivity for a wide range of devices. However, with increased reliance on wireless networks, the security of Wi-Fi is still and maybe more of a significant concern. In this blog post, we will explore the security concerns associated with Wi-Fi networks and provide practical recommendations to further harden their security.

One of the primary security concerns with Wi-Fi networks is unauthorized access to sensitive data. To address this concern, it is crucial to implement strong encryption protocols, such as WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), which offers robust encryption algorithms and stronger protections against brute-force attacks. Additionally, use complex, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network and change them periodically. Enforce strong authentication methods, such as WPA3-Enterprise, which leverages enterprise-grade authentication mechanisms like EAP-TLS.

With remote working becoming a common place, we find our kitchens and living rooms are becoming extensions of the corporate workplace, so it make sense to treat security at our home as we would in the office! Securing the router itself is vital since it acts as the gateway between the local network and the internet. Change the default administrative credentials to prevent unauthorized access to the router’s settings. Disable remote administration and ensure that firmware updates are regularly applied to address security vulnerabilities. Additionally, disable any unnecessary services or features that might expose the router to potential attacks.

Although probably more relevant to the corporate environment, dividing your Wi-Fi network into separate segments enhances security. Use VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) to separate different types of devices and restrict their communication. By doing so, if one device is compromised, an attacker will find it challenging to move laterally within the network, limiting the potential damage.

When providing Wi-Fi access to guests, create a separate guest network that is isolated from your primary network. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your internal resources. Enable a captive portal and set an appropriate password for guest network access, which should be shared with visitors securely.

Most home Wi-Fi setups offer ‘guest’ access, this maintains your security, without reducing the internet experience that you can provide to any visitors.

Mainly for the corporate environment, deploying a WIDS to detect and mitigate wireless network attacks is a good invest in your detection of possible attacks. A WIDS continuously monitors Wi-Fi traffic and can identify unauthorized access points, rogue devices, or suspicious activity. It helps in detecting attacks like man-in-the-middle, de-authentication, and brute-forcing attempts, allowing timely response to potential security breaches.

Where possible, enable MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering on your Wi-Fi network. This feature allows you to specify which devices are allowed to connect based on their unique MAC addresses. While this approach provides an additional layer of security, it’s worth noting that MAC addresses can be spoofed, so it should not be relied upon as the sole security measure.

As home working as blurred the lines between the home and the office, it is just as important to perform regular security audits on your Wi-Fi network to identify vulnerabilities and take corrective actions.

Rootshell offer a comprehensive Wi-Fi security assessment services, including discovery of rogue Wi-Fi devices potential in your working areas. Engaging with professional security assessors, such as Rootshell, can provide valuable insights into potential weaknesses and ensure robust protection.

As Wi-Fi networks continue to proliferate and connect an increasing number of devices, prioritizing their security becomes paramount. By implementing strong encryption, secure router configurations, network segmentation, guest network isolation, wireless intrusion detection systems, MAC address filtering, and regular security audits, users can significantly enhance the security of their Wi-Fi networks.

Taking proactive measures to address security concerns helps safeguard sensitive data and protect against unauthorized access, ensuring a safer and more reliable wireless experience.