Wireless Network Security: What Users and Administrators Need to Know
Computers of all kinds typically come with hardware built-in that allows them wireless connectivity to the internet and/or network access in which a host of resources are available. On the other side of the coin, there are wireless access points that are administered to allow computers the internet or network access. There are some points to keep in mind whether using or administering a wireless network to ensure a safe experience. Understanding the essentials of wireless network security does not have to be complicated; the points below are simplified as much as possible.
On the user side of the coin, when approaching a wireless network, there are two basic choices when it comes to security: it can be used, or not be used. Some wireless networks require a password to access and some do not. The ones that do encrypt data flowing over the wireless network, which means that in the event somebody using the same wireless network intercepts the data, it will be unreadable (which is good).
When the data leaves the wireless network and moves across the internet, it may or may not be readable by other people depending on the website being accessed. Websites that use HTTPS in their website address encrypt the data from the user’s computer all the way to its destination, and vice versa. If the “S” portion of the protocol is missing, data will not be safe once it leaves the wireless network and moves across the internet.
The administrative side of the coin, that is, setting up a wireless network to be secure, is relatively simple. The administrator can choose to require a password, or not. A wireless access point to which computers wirelessly connect can be purchased at several different kinds of stores and comes with instructions for setting it up. For businesses managing employees and their devices, pairing proper access point configuration with a BYOD security policy adds an important additional layer of protection.
Secure Your Wireless Network Before Problems Find You
Wireless network security does not have to be a mystery, but it does require deliberate action at both the user and administrator level. From enabling password protection and encryption on your access points to verifying that the websites your team visits use HTTPS, every layer adds up. For businesses that want a clearer picture of where they stand, a free network risk assessment from WheelHouse IT can surface vulnerabilities before they become incidents. Our managed IT services team is ready to help you build a wireless environment your business can rely on.
Have questions about the security of your wireless network? Contact us today. Florida: (954) 474-2204 | New York: (516) 536-5006.
