Why Wi-Fi Security Matters

Your Wi-Fi network is your doormat to the digital world. But if it’s not secured properly, it’s also the front door for attackers to waltz right in.

I have literally parked my car outside of customer facilities and connected to an unsecured guest SSID that shared the same LAN route as their production systems. Not naming names, but Wi-Fi is not just for laptops and smartphones anymore. It’s your IoT sensors, printers, and perhaps even the coffee machine. All it takes is one unsecured device.

Locking down your wireless network means guarding your people, your data, and your reputation.

Wireless Network Vulnerabilities and Attacks

Many businesses fail to grasp the risks until after they’ve been compromised. Here are some common attacks:

• Evil Twin attacks: A mimicry attack where a bad actor copies your network SSID and relies on users to connect, leading to stolen credentials.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): Attackers mimic the network between users and the original network, similar to overhearing a phone call through a paper cup.
• Cracking weak encryption: Still using WPA or WEP? That’s barely an improvement over no encryption at all.
• Rogue Devices/APs: Staff creating their hotspots with zero security settings.
• Unpatched Hardware/Software: Outdated devices or access points prone to vulnerabilities.

The bigger threat is human error. Poor password practices like “12345678” or “companyname2023” are recurring issues.

Wi-Fi Security Best Practices for Optimal Protection

Here’s what I genuinely recommend to improve your Wi-Fi security:

1. Use Strong, Modern Encryption
   • WPA3 only. Not optional.
   • Segment legacy devices on their VLAN if they only support WPA2.
   • WEP is outdated—stop using it.
2. Network Segmentation
   • Guest Wi-Fi should never share the same LAN with corporate networks.
   • Use separate VLANs for IoT, employees, guests, and developers.
3. Disable SSID Broadcasting
   • Hide the SSID for sensitive networks but find a balance to prevent usability issues.
4. Use RADIUS Authentication
   • Replace Pre-Shared Keys (PSKs) with 802.1X protocol and individual logins with RADIUS.
   • Integrate this with your AD or LDAP system for seamless management.
5. Rotate Keys and Credentials Regularly
   • Rotate Wi-Fi credentials at least quarterly, or monthly if possible.
6. Check for Rogue Access Points
   • Run periodic wireless scans and use wireless intrusion detection systems (WIDS).
7. Update Firmware Often
   • Set a schedule to patch access point firmware as you would with servers.
8. Limit Signal Range
   • Use directional antennas or lower the transmit power to prevent Wi-Fi from leaking outside your premises.

Quick Takeaways

• Always use WPA3 encryption.
• Segment your networks into separate VLANs.
• Use RADIUS authentication to replace PSKs.
• Rotate your credentials regularly.
• Keep a close eye on rogue access points.
• Update firmware as a priority.
• Minimize the range of your Wi-Fi signal.

Fortinet Wi-Fi Security Solutions by PJ Networks

At PJ Networks, we offer Fortinet Secure Wi-Fi Solutions with enterprise-grade access points. These include:

• Integrated Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) with FortiAP units.
• Seamless integration with FortiGate firewalls for layered security.
• Centralized management through FortiManager or FortiCloud.

We recently updated a mid-sized logistics company’s Wi-Fi, moving them from open APs to a full Fortinet deployment. The results included no security incidents and improved bandwidth control.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi may not be the most exciting topic in cybersecurity, but its importance cannot be overstated. A poorly protected Wi-Fi network can compromise your entire business infrastructure. To ensure security:

• Use strong encryption and secure configurations.
• Rotate credentials and regularly audit your network.
• Take proactive measures to prevent vulnerabilities.

If you’re unsure about your network security or need professional assistance, PJ Networks is here to help. Let’s secure your network today.