A wireless network is a ubiquitous commodity to any organization. In that case, it should go without saying that security measures are up to speed with the latest wireless tools.
If only that were the case.
Close to 50% of IT leaders say their wireless components embody the weakest security link of their entire technology portfolios; furthermore, over 90% of CIOs are equally concerned about their wireless security. So, what are the points that should be secured, and what can your company, and others like those surveyed, do to make sure their wireless network is as secure as possible?
Let’s look at the big picture – enterprises can provide wireless access to their clients via a cloud network, the enterprise allows employees to access the network via wireless devices, and if an enterprise works with third party vendors, both of their networks would have to be able to communicate wirelessly as well. There are obviously other wireless entry points to be considered, but these are just examples of what will need to be protected when incoming and outgoing traffic is involved. Case and point: if Target or Home Depot had the appropriate plan in place to secure their wireless network and virtual environments as a whole, they most likely could have sidestepped a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Now that you have a few ideas of where to secure your network and infrastructure, the next step is the “how”; or rather, as an enterprise working within the cloud – as 72% of you are – learning about the following ways to best protect your wireless networks as described below.
Firewalls: By establishing a connection between a trustworthy source (your network) and an untrustworthy source (the Internet, for example), a firewall will monitor incoming and outgoing traffic based on a pre-determined set of rules. The caveat to utilizing firewalls is that additional measures must be taken in order to protect your network, since a firewall isn’t able to quickly mold to each and every new attack it encounters.
Authentication: Looking beyond the current, buzzy nature of multi-factor authentication, there is absolutely something to be said for having it as a mandatory part of your cybersecurity plan. Don’t make it easier for hackers to barge through your network with just a username and password; confirm identities as much as possible through SMS, MMS, and other avenues.
IPS: An extension of Intrusion Detection Systems, an IPS will not only detect a potential attack, but also log the record and prevent and protect the network accordingly.
Having a candid conversation with an MSS/MSSP about best practices for securing your company’s wireless networks is vital to both long and short-term growth potential. Imagine if you had to take time out of every single day to deal with one cybersecurity scare or another on your wireless network – that would definitely scare potential new clientele or additional business! Lock down your wireless network protection options and put them into play as soon as possible so you and your organization can get moving on what really matters.