WLAN Security Basics

In this section, we’ll explore WLAN security essentials, including key security mechanisms, common vulnerabilities, and management strategies. Wireless networks, like any other technology, come with inherent vulnerabilities, making it essential to secure them effectively. Let’s dive into the basics of WLAN security, discussing methods like encryption, MAC filtering, SSID hiding, and vulnerabilities to watch out for.

Basic WLAN Security: The Need for Protection

Using a WLAN exposes your network to potential threats, which is why it’s crucial to implement security measures to protect against unauthorized access. Initially, WLANs relied on Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) to secure data. WEP was created to give wireless networks encryption equivalent to wired connections. However, it soon proved to be a weak security method, as WEP keys could be cracked easily. This led to the development of more robust security solutions.

The following are some foundational WLAN security techniques used today:

1. MAC Filtering

MAC filtering is a basic security method that restricts access to a WLAN based on device MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. This involves setting up a list of permitted MAC addresses on the access point, allowing only those devices to connect.

For instance, if you have a phone that you want to connect to the access point, you add its MAC address to the AP’s list. Only devices with MAC addresses on this list can connect to the network. However, MAC filtering is not foolproof, as attackers can use software to spoof a valid MAC address and gain unauthorized access. Also mobile phones nowadays have MAC Randomization where the phone use a new MAC address each time connected to the AP, making things difficul to your the MAC filtering as a security option.