Better Wi-Fi Network Security: Advanced Techniques

If you've done any Google-ing on Wi-Fi security, you probably have the basics beaten into you: Don't use WEP, use WPA or WPA2, disable SSID broadcasting, change default settings, and so on.

Therefore we'll forgo the basics and skip to other ways you might be able to increase the security of your wireless network.

Lets get started!


#1 Move to enterprise encryption
If you created a WPA or WPA2 encryption key of any type and must enter it when connecting to the wireless network, you are only using the Personal or Pre-shared key (PSK) mode of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).

Business networks--no matter how small or big--should be protected with the Enterprise mode, which adds 802.1X/EAP authentication to the wireless connection process.

Instead of entering the encryption key on all the computers, users would login with a username and password.

The encryption keys are derived securely in the background and are unique for each user and session.

This method provides central management and overall better Wi-Fi security.

Instead of loading the encryption keys onto computers where employees and other users can recover them, each user logs into the network with their own account when using the Enterprise mode.

You can easily change or revoke access when needed. This is especially useful when employees leave the company or a laptop is stolen.

If you're using the Personal mode, you'd have to manually change the encryption keys on all the computers and access points (APs).

The special ingredient of the Enterprise mode is a RADIUS/AAA server. This communicates with the APs on the network and consults the user database.

Consider using the the Internet Authentication Service (IAS) of Windows Server 2003 or the Network Policy Server (NPS) of Windows Sever 2008.

If you want to go vendor-neutral, try the popular open source server, FreeRADIUS. If you find setting up an authentication server requires more money and/or expertise than you have, consider using an outsourced service.


#2 Verify physical security
Wireless security isn't all technical. You can have the best Wi-Fi encryption but have someone plugging into an ethernet port that's in plain sight.

Or someone could come by and hold in the reset button of an access point, restoring it to factory defaults and leaving your network wide open.

Make sure all your APs are well out of the reach of the public and out of sight from employees too. Instead of sitting an AP on a desk, mount it on the wall or ceiling--better yet, put them above false ceiling.

You might consider mounting the APs out of sight and installing external antennas where you'd get the most signal.

This would let you confine the AP even more while taking advantage of the increased range and performance of an aftermarket or higher gain antenna.

APs aren't the only piece of equipment to be worried about. All networking components should be secured.

This even includes ethernet cabling. Though it might be a little farfetched to some, a determined hacker could cut a ethernet cable to tap into the line.

Along with mounting, you should keep track of the APs. Create a spreadsheet logging the APs models used along with the MAC and IP addresses.

Plus note where its located. This way you know exactly where the APs should be when performing inventory checks or when tracking down a problem AP.


#3 Setup an intrusion detection/prevention system (IDS/IPS)
These systems usually consist of a software program that uses your wireless adapter to sniff the Wi-Fi signals for problems.

They detect rogue APs, whether a new AP is introduced to the network or an existing one is reset to defaults or doesn't match a set of standards you've defined.

These systems also analyze the network packets to see if someone might be using a hacking or jamming technique.


There are many different intrusion detection and prevention systems out there that use a variety of techniques.

Open source or free options include Kismet and Snort. Commercial products are also available from vendors such as AirMagnet, AirDefense, and AirTight.


#4 Create wireless usage policies
Along with other general computer usage guidelines, you should have a specific set of polices for Wi-Fi access which should at least include the following items:

• List devices authorized to access the wireless network: It's best to deny all devices and explicitly allow each desired device by using MAC address filtering on the network router. Though MAC addresses can be spoofed, this provides reasonable control of which devices employees are using on the network. A hard copy of all approved devices and their details should be kept to compare against when monitoring the network and for inputting into intrusion detection systems.
• List of personnel authorized with Wi-Fi access to the network: This could be regulated when using 802.1X authentication (WPA/WPA2-Enterprise) by only creating accounts in the RADIUS server for those who need Wi-Fi access. If 802.1X authentication is also being used on wired side, you should be able to specify whether users receive wired and/or wireless access by modifying the Active Directory or using authorization policies on the RADIUS server itself.
• Rules on setting up wireless routers or APs: For example, that only the IT department can set up more APs, so employees don't just plug in an AP from home to extend the signal. An internal rule for IT department might cover defining acceptable equipment models and configuration.
• Rules on using Wi-Fi hotspots or connecting to home networks with company devices: Since the data on a device or laptop can be compromised and the Internet activity be monitored on unsecured wireless networks, you may want to limit Wi-Fi connections to only the company network. This could be controlled by imposing network filters with the Network Shell (netsh) utility in Windows. Alternatively, you could require a VPN connection back to the company network to at least protect the Internet activity and to remotely access files.

#5 Use SSL or IPsec on top of Wi-Fi encryption
Though you might be using the latest and greatest Wi-Fi encryption (on Layer 2 of the OSI model), consider implementing another encryption mechanism, such as IPSec (on Layer 3 of the OSI model).

In addition to providing double encryption on the wireless side, it can secure the wired communication too.

This would prevent eavesdropping from employees or outsiders tapping into an ethernet port.