Overview of Wireless Network Security
Discuss about the Wireless Network Security and Preventive Techniques.
The wireless network security is defined as process that is used to design, implement and ensure privacy and security on computer network that is wireless (Yi, Qin & Li, 2015). The wireless network security has primary function to protect a network from malicious and unauthorized access attempted by attackers. The concerns for wireless network security is growing rapidly as wireless networks are an essential part in the industries presently. The wireless network security if not monitored properly can cause various issues to the computer devices and organizations (Biswas et al., 2015). Hence, there is a need to research and analyze prevention techniques for wireless network security. The report thus provides research on technologies that can help to provide prevention to wireless network security. The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the wireless network security and technologies used for the wireless network security along with its applications. The research paper also presents the challenges or problems posed by the technologies.
The research paper presents analysis of overview of the technologies involved in wireless network security, their applications and the challenges that are posed by the wireless network security. The future research is presented in this research paper based on the identified gaps in the analysis of wireless network security.
Reviewing of the literature is one of the most prominent method of acquiring knowledge about a subject. Hence, the discussed section is offering an insight into the subject by reviewing the literary work of the past. To enhance the understanding of the readers the findings from reviewing the articles have been divided into sections and sub-sections which discusses the core factors that are associated with the deemed technology and preventive measures for the security challenges faced by the subject.
Wireless security is the preventive measure that is adopted as part of the wireless network to ensure that the network is safe from the unauthorized accessing of the system or damage of the system using the wireless means (Schulz-Zander et al., 2016). The importance of wireless security is vital because due to digitalization the world have witnesses a major surge in the number of networked channels and to save space and capital, the channels are adopting wireless means. Additionally, introduction of movable devices such as smart phones, laptops and others have also acted as a catalyst for the increasing number of wireless technology user (Liang & Yu, 2015). The statement made above can be justified by the fact that as the subjects are capable of moving attaching them to the cabled communication channel constraints their movable capacity and hence wireless technology is preferred.
Importance of Wireless Security
However, the major surge in the adoption ratio have also entertained the cyber malefactors and they are devising new tools and techniques to violate the wireless security. The latter are upgrading themselves with the security measures and offering significant challenges for the wireless security. The cyber malefactors are devising new modes of unauthorized access every day from DDoS (Denial of Services) to MAC spoofing, network injection, Caffe Latte attack and multiple other attacks and gain unauthorized access to the system (Wright & Cache, 2015). The results of gaining unauthorized access in the system of an organisation or individual or a country can have adverse impact on associates of the attacked system. An individual may be deprived of their fundamental right of privacy while the organisation may lose its sustainability (Shen et al., 2016). However, the threat is most prominent in case of the state where it can prove to be a case of life and death.
Hence, to mitigate the deemed challenge multiple researches have been conducted by the scholars and the organisations as well which are evident in the literary work and depending upon the findings different solution have been identified. One of the concept that has earned a global adoption is the “Wireless intrusion prevention concepts” (Sgora, Vergados & Chatzimisios, 2016). The discussed concept adheres to three principal and they have been discussed as follows (Andrews et al., 2016):
- The first principal is defined for the closed network that are commonly equipped in the homes or organisations where it is recommended that the configuration of the network’s access points be restricted. The restrictions can be implemented through encryption and enabling MAC address checking. Additionally, the WIPS (Wireless Intrusion prevention systems) can even be adopted.
- The second principal is defined to address the wireless security challenge of the open networks that are unencrypted. The talked about network are generally employed by the commercial wireless service providers, large organisations and the hotspot services. It is recommended that though they follow an open network they should select isolation of their network. As for the network users it is recommended that the users use VPN (Virtual Private Network).
- The third principle defines the need of the wired solution where through accessing a wired port anyone can gain access to the network. Hence, inspired from it the principal suggests that the network should be encrypted end to end and each port should have its independent authentication which should be limited to verified personals only. It would ensure that the system in not misused and will even enhance the reliability of the network.
Another notable measure that had been developed to ensure a safe and secure use of the wireless network is the WIPS (wireless intrusion prevention system) (Rodas et al., 2015). It is a solution that is devised according to the needs and are not deployed as a package of software or tool. Though the technologies relevant for the deployment of the system and the process has been defined. The section following has discussed about the technologies that are involved in the system and how are they capable of making a wireless network secure.
The recommended prevention system is based upon the guidelines provided by different wireless expert organisation. The WIPS performs the function of automated scanning of the network which in the process offers security to the wireless network of the individual, organisation and state (Rodas et al., 2015). Various tools & techniques are capable of offering the security that is deemed by the wireless service network adopters. The technologies & tools that are capable of offering security to the wireless network have been discussed as follows:
Challenges Faced by Wireless Network Security
SSID (Service set Identifier) hiding- This technique is simple however ineffective in attempting to secure a wireless network through hiding Service Set Identifier hiding. The Service Set Identifier hiding provides very less protection against attacks however, it has casual imposition efforts. The application of Service set Identifier hiding is in router manufacturing where Service set Identifier hiding is set as default in Wi-Fi unit such as NetGear, Dlink or Linksys (Sgora, Vergados & Chatizimisios, 2016).
MAC ID filtering- This is the simplest technique where only known MAC address can be allowed to access systems. This technique provides filtering of known MAC addresses. The MAC ID filtering is done where known wireless access points consist of MAC ID. However, it is not much ineffective as hacker can simply know the MAC address of an authorized and legal user and they spoof the MAC address (Schulz-Zander et al., 2016). The application of MAC ID filtering is that every device comes with a MAC address and thus these devices are pre-occupied with MAC ID filtering where the unauthorized MAC addresses are prevented.
Static IP addressing- A particular wireless access points presents clients with IP addresses through DHCP. The users are allowed to create and set their own IP addresses which make it complicated for an unsophisticated attacker to access to the network through login (Sgora, Vergados & Chatizimisios, 2016). However, it is not so effective because a sophisticated intruder or experienced attacker can easily attack the network. The application of Static IP addressing is that every device such as phones, desktops, routers, laptops, tablets and any other device can be designed to have a static IP address, which is pre-configured with IP addressing.
802.11 security- The 802.11 security is the standard IEEE authentication mechanism technique that prevents wireless network from getting attacked. This mechanism has various protocols that are WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, WPAv1 (Wi-Fi Protected Access), TKIP (Temporary Key Integrity Protocol) and EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) (Liang & Yu, 2015). The different versions of EAP are LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol), PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) and other EAP’s (EAP-TLS, EAP-FAST and EAP-TTLS). The 802.11 security provides protection for data at link level during the transmission of data through wireless network. The hash function is used by 802.11 standards protocols to provide better security to the wireless network. The application of 802.11 security is used in fingerprints that prevent attackers accessing the systems.
Wireless Intrusion Prevention Concepts
Restricted access network- The restricted access network is the in-built routers in newer system used for authentication. This is useful in wired and wireless networks both. The various aspects of restricted access networks are end-to-end encryption, 802.11i security, WPAv2 and other additions to WPAv2 such as EAP and WIDS. The end-to-end encryption is useful to protect data such as personal mail ids and passwords (Yang et al., 2015). However, it is not effective to provide better protection. The technologies used in end-to-end encryption are SSL, PGP, SSH and others. The application of restricted access network is messaging apps, email ids and others.
WAPI (WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure)-This method is standard technique for wireless security defined by Chinese government. The technologies for WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure Are Smart cards, software tokens and USB tokens, RF shielding, Denial of service defense (Black holing, validating the handshake and rate limiting). The smart cards, software tokens and USB tokens are useful in providing better protection to wireless network (Sgora, Vergados & Chatizimisios, 2016). The application of WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure are wireless signals in parking lots, mobiles and homes.
The paper has cited appropriate focus on the technology in consideration along with the tools & technologies that can assist in mitigating the threat posed by the cyber malefactors and other means. However, the question over the challenges faced by the wireless network and the challenges that are associated with the adoption of the discussed countermeasures are still unanswered and needs to be answered (Liang & Yu, 2015). The discussed section has been developed by reviewing literary work of the past and discusses over the challenges that are associated wireless network and its security measures. Depending upon the threats identified from reviewing the literary work of the past, the challenges of the wireless network can be classified in the following discussed categories:
Rogue access points: The network is a platform where even a single weakness can demolish the structure of the whole system and hence it is expected to be free of any weak points or nodes. In case any weak node is left unchecked then, the cyber malefactors can implant malware or leak the networks data to enhance the challenges for the organisation (Yang et al., 2015).
Misconfiguration: Wireless is a disruptive technology that is still in its adolescent stage and is witnessing major change making it difficult for the non-technical individuals or organisation to cope up with the change which result in misconfiguration of the network (Schulz-Zander et al., 2016). Additionally, it becomes mandatory for the administrator of the established network to adhere to the wireless policies & standards because even a single lop hole can cite a major security challenge.
Wireless Intrusion Prevention System
Using network connected systems with other system: Using the systems such as laptops & mobile phones that are associated with a wireless network is a major cause of security threat that a wireless network faces (Liang & Yu, 2015). The base for the above stated statement lays on the fact that when a system is connected to open network or an unsecure network it may get infected by malicious tools which when connected into a secure network can develop loop holes that can expose the network to security threats.
Cyber malefactors: The most prominent threat to the security of any wireless network are associated with the deemed category. The cyber malefactors are the cyber criminals who hack into unauthorized zones to fulfil their personal objectives and agendas (Wright & Cache, 2015). They are the ones who are responsible for the creating malicious tools & techniques and exploiting the loop holes in a network.
The discussion above has cited the factors that can make the network vulnerable to cyber threats. However, the challenges are not limited to pre-adoption of the security measures in the system but are also associated with the adoption of the security which have been identified by reviewing the literary work of the past and are discussed as follows:
Limited Knowledge: The mass adoption of the wireless technology is making it evident that the network users are aware of the wireless networking however, the same cannot be said about the wireless security measures. The discussed security tools and techniques are alien to most of the network users because of their limited knowledge about the subject which is acting as one of the most prominent constraint to a secure wireless network (Yang et al., 2015).
Fund Limitation: Individuals or SMEs (Small & Medium Enterprises) have a limited fund for investment which is also a significant constraint in the adoption of security measures. One of the most prominent factor that gives birth to the discussed constraint is the limited knowledge about the subject (Rodas et al., 2015). The wireless network users believe that the services to secure the service are costly and would impact their sustainability and hence they avoid adoption of such tools & techniques.
It has been identified that there are several researches available on the wireless network and its security concerns. However, no adequate solution has been identified to mitigate the challenges posed by the cyber malefactors. Additionally, the motivation that drives the malefactors have also been researched to a very limited extend which is a scope that should be utilized. Another notable gap identified after the literature review is that the perception of the people towards wireless security is based on a myth which needs to be busted and hence, a security research for the wireless network needs to be done for the non-technical readers. Hence, it can be stated that the subject of the paper has ample of gaps that needs to be fulfilled to leverage the subject.
Technologies and Tools for Wireless Network Security
Conclusion
The report can be summarized to state that the wireless network is a desirable technological adoption for the users globally. However, the challenges associated with the technology are citing significant threat to the popularity that it is enjoying. Security threat has emerged as one of the most crucial concern for the wireless technology users. However, the literature reveals that there are tools & techniques that can assist the organisation or individual connected to the wireless network to mitigate the challenge faced by them. The reviewing of the literary work of the past has enabled the author of the discussed paper to contemplate the findings and identify different challenges that are responsible for the security threat and are capable of mitigating the identified challenges. The paper has even identified gap in the literature that needs to be addresses to ensure that the wireless networks are secure and no challenges are associated with it which will assist in bringing the surge of wireless adoption back in competition. Hence, in conclusion, the paper can be emphasized to state that wireless technology is one of the most entertaining technologies of the current era and is in dire need of security measures that can enhance reliability over the subject
References:
Andrews, J. G., Zhang, X., Durgin, G. D., & Gupta, A. K. (2016). Are we approaching the fundamental limits of wireless network densification?. IEEE Communications Magazine, 54(10), 184-190.
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Rodas, O., To, M. A., Alvarez, J., & Maag, S. (2015, November). Protecting Wireless Mesh Networks through a distributed intrusion prevention framework. In Communications (LATINCOM), 2015 7th IEEE Latin-American Conference on (pp. 1-6). IEEE.
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Shen, W., Yin, B., Cao, X., Cai, L. X., & Cheng, Y. (2016). Secure device-to-device communications over WiFi direct. IEEE Network, 30(5), 4-9.
Wright, J., & Cache, J. (2015). Hacking exposed wireless: wireless security secrets & solutions. McGraw-Hill Education Group.
Yang, N., Wang, L., Geraci, G., Elkashlan, M., Yuan, J., & Di Renzo, M. (2015). Safeguarding 5G wireless communication networks using physical layer security. IEEE Communications Magazine, 53(4), 20-27.
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