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12 Best Practices For Wireless Network Security

The document outlines 12 best practices for securing a wireless network, including enabling two-factor authentication, using a strong password, encrypting data transmission, disabling SSID broadcast, and using MAC address filtering to restrict access. Implementing these practices such as changing default passwords, using firewalls, and disabling unneeded services can help protect the network from attacks and unauthorized access.

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12 Best Practices For Wireless Network Security

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mat

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12 Best Practices for Wireless

Network Security

The importance of wireless network security cannot be understated.

With the proliferation of mobile devices and the popularity of public
Wi-Fi hotspots, the potential for data breaches and other
cybersecurity threats has increased exponentially.

While there are many different steps that can be taken to secure a
wireless network, these 12 best practices are essential for ensuring
that your data and devices are safe from malicious actors.

1. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to the login
process. It requires users to enter both a username and password,
as well as a code that is generated by an authenticator app. This
makes it more difficult for someone to gain unauthorized access to
the network.

To enable two-factor authentication, access the wireless router's

configuration page and enable the feature. Be sure to download an
authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Authy and have it
available when logging in.

You can also consider using passwordless authentication like cloud

radius for even more robust protection. This is an important best
practice because if someone does manage to get a hold of your
password, they'll be able to access your network. By using a cloud-
based solution, you can be sure that only authorized users will be
able to access your network.

2. Using A Strong Password

Using a strong password is one of the most important best practices

for wireless network security. A strong password is at least eight
characters long and includes a mix of upper- and lower-case letters,
numbers, and symbols. Passwords should be changed regularly to
ensure that they remain secure.

3. Encrypting Data

Encrypting data is another important best practice for wireless

network security. Data encryption scrambles data so that it can only
be decrypted and read by authorized users. This helps to protect
sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized
individuals.

Encryption can be implemented in a number of ways, including

through the use of encryption software, hardware, or services. Make
sure that employees are aware of the importance of encrypting
sensitive data and that they know how to properly encrypt files.

4. Disabling SSID Broadcast

Disabling SSID broadcast is another best practice for wireless

network security. When SSID broadcast is enabled, it allows anyone
within range of the wireless network to see the network's name. You
can disable SSID broadcast by accessing the wireless router's
configuration page and disabling the SSID broadcast feature.
The goal is to make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to
connect to the network. The SSID can still be seen if someone is
within range of the network and uses a wireless network scanner,
but it will not be as easily accessible.

5. Using MAC Filtering

Using MAC filtering is another best practice for wireless network

security. MAC addresses are unique identifiers assigned to devices
that connect to a network.

By allowing only devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to

the network, you can help to prevent unauthorized access. MAC
filtering can be implemented by accessing the wireless router's
configuration page and adding the MAC addresses of devices that
are allowed to connect to the network.

6. Enabling WPA3 Security

Enabling WPA3 security is another best practice for wireless network
security. WPA3 is the most recent and most secure wireless security
protocol. It provides stronger protection than WPA2 and should be
used whenever possible.

When shopping around for a router, make sure to look for ones that
support this most recent security protocol. Earlier protocols were
easier to compromise, so it is important to make sure that WPA3 is
enabled.

7. Using A VPN
Using a VPN is another best practice for wireless network security. A
VPN encrypts all traffic between a device and the VPN server,
making it more difficult for someone to eavesdrop on the
connection. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi
networks, as they are often less secure than private ones. Be sure to
only use VPNs from trusted providers and make sure that
employees are aware of the importance of using a VPN when
working remotely.

8. Disabling Remote Administration

Disabling remote administration is another best practice for wireless

network security. When remote administration is enabled, it allows
anyone with the proper credentials to access the router's
configuration page and make changes to the network. This can be a
security risk, as it allows unauthorized individuals to potentially gain
access to the network. To disable remote administration, access the
wireless router's configuration page and disable the feature. This will
help to prevent unauthorized access to the network.

9. Changing The Default Password

Changing the default password is another best practice for wireless
network security. Many routers come with a default password that is
easy to guess. This can be a security risk, as it allows unauthorized
individuals to potentially gain access to the network.

To change the default password, access the wireless router's

configuration page and change the password to something that is
more difficult to guess. Be sure to choose a strong password that is
at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase
letters, numbers, and symbols.

10. Using A Firewall

Using a firewall is another best practice for wireless network

security. A firewall helps to protect the network by blocking
incoming traffic that is not authorized. This can be especially
important in preventing attacks from malware and other malicious
software.

To use a firewall, access the wireless router's configuration page and

enable the feature. There are typically two types of firewalls:
network-based and host-based. Network-based firewalls are
typically used in business environments, while host-based firewalls
can be used on individual devices.

11. Disabling UPnP

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a protocol that allows devices to

automatically discover and connect to each other. This can be a
security risk, as it allows unauthorized devices to potentially gain
access to the network. To disable UPnP, access the wireless router's
configuration page and disable the feature. You can also disable
UPnP on individual devices by accessing the settings menu.

12. Disabling Unnecessary Services

You often find that routers come with a number of unnecessary

services enabled. These can be a security risk, as they can provide
potential attackers with information about the network. To disable
unnecessary services, access the wireless router's configuration
page and disable any services that are not needed. This will help to
reduce the attack surface of the network. Common unnecessary
services include things like telnet, SSH, and HTTP.

Conclusion

Implementing these best practices for wireless network security is

important in order to protect the network from potential attacks. By
disabling unnecessary services, changing the default password, and
enabling two-factor authentication, you can help to make it more
difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access to the network.