Deploying a wireless networking solution at the company’s headquarter
The president of your company would like to deploy a wireless networking solution at the company’s headquarters to help improve productivity. He understands the benefits of wireless networking, but he has reservations due to the potential security risks. He reaches out to you, the company’s knowledgeable networking administrator, for advice. In your initial post, explain the different types of wireless security options, including the protocols and encryption levels necessary. Provide an evaluation of the security differences between the security options. Explain any risks or other technical considerations of which the president should be aware. Propose a wireless solution for the company, supporting your recommendations with evidence from the readings.
Sample Solution
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): WEP is the oldest and least secure wireless security protocol. It uses a 64-bit or 128-bit key to encrypt data, but this key can be easily cracked by hackers.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): WPA is a more secure wireless security protocol than WEP. It uses a 256-bit key to encrypt data, and it also uses a variety of other security features to make it more difficult for hackers to crack the key.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2): WPA2 is the latest and most secure wireless security protocol. It uses a 256-bit key to encrypt data, and it also uses a variety of other security features to make it even more difficult for hackers to crack the key.
Full Answer Section
- WPA3: WPA3 is the latest version of WPA2. It offers even stronger security than WPA2, and it also includes new features to protect against emerging threats.
- WEP: WEP is the least secure wireless security protocol. It is easily cracked by hackers, and it is not recommended for use in any modern networks.
- WPA: WPA is more secure than WEP, but it is still not as secure as WPA2 or WPA3. It is still recommended to use WPA2 or WPA3 if possible.
- WPA2: WPA2 is the most secure wireless security protocol that is currently widely used. It is recommended for use in all modern networks.
- WPA3: WPA3 is the latest and most secure wireless security protocol. It offers even stronger security than WPA2, and it is also recommended for use in all modern networks.
- Data breaches: If a hacker is able to crack the wireless security, they could gain access to sensitive data on the network, such as employee passwords, financial information, or customer records.
- Malware attacks: Hackers could also use a compromised wireless network to launch malware attacks on other devices on the network.
- Denial-of-service attacks: Hackers could use a compromised wireless network to launch denial-of-service attacks, which can disrupt or even shut down the network.
- Change the default username and password for the wireless router.
- Enable MAC address filtering. This will only allow devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to the network.
- Use a strong password for the wireless network. The password should be at least 12 characters long and should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Keep the wireless router firmware up to date. Firmware updates often include security patches that can help to protect the network from known vulnerabilities.
- Use a VPN when accessing sensitive data over the wireless network. A VPN will encrypt data as it travels between the device and the network, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept it.