How To Protect Wireless Communications From Malicious Interference
Data security applies to everyone. Read more to discover the different ways you can keep your information secure.
There is a common misconception that wireless communications vulnerabilities mainly involve personal data transmitted from smartphones and laptops. In reality, corporate data is a far more valuable target for criminals. A significant concern is that many companies still rely on wireless data out of necessity. From offshore platforms to remote satellite offices, geographic constraints or a lack of hardwired infrastructure often mean IP-based wireless networks are essential for modern business activity.
Embrace Security
Whether you’re a self-employed designer or the head of a nuclear power plant, you need to be confident that wireless information is sent and received as securely as possible. In truth, wireless data transfer can be just as well-guarded as packets distributed down a fiber cable between a desktop computer and a secure server. These are some of the ways in which wireless communications networks can be protected against malicious interference.
HTTPS and SSL
There’s no excuse for sending sensitive data without end-to-end encryption between sender and recipient devices. Unless you have the key to unlock this data, it’s incredibly difficult to reveal any secrets being carried. The extended validation offered by modern SSL certificates would take a typical desktop computer 6.4 quadrillion years to crack; it might be old technology, but it’s hugely effective.
Network Protection
Wifi boxes represent something of a weak link in the communications chain, but there are easy ways to bolster a router or mobile internet dongle’s protection. Change the password to something with a blend of alphanumeric characters and symbols, and choose hardware with WPS connectivity so passwords aren’t shared. The wifi certification provided by WPA2 protection is also vital.
Two Factor Authentication
Initially championed by the financial sector, 2FA is now being adopted by social media platforms and gaming networks. At its simplest, it requests random password characters alongside conventional login details, to prevent keystroke logging or screen monitoring enabling fraudulent access. At its most complex, logging in involves two separate devices – all but eliminating opportunism.
Firewalls
Directly connecting mobile devices to the internet allows prowlers free rein to attack them. It’s safer to shield devices behind a firewall, which will act as a buffer between each wireless device and incoming traffic. This additional layer of protection has been proven to reduce attacks on hardwired networks, and the same principles apply wirelessly. Many modern routers have firewalls pre-installed, for simplicity.
A Virtual Private Network
Building on the previous point, a VPN is an inexpensive gatekeeper for connections between host servers and recipient devices. Information shared between these parties is automatically encrypted and protected, and even data sent via an otherwise unsecured network can’t be interpreted by eavesdroppers. Although VPNs can slow down data transfer speeds, they’re growing in popularity.
Reducing Human Error
Don’t be surprised to see a non-technical entry on this list. From leaving secure accounts logged in overnight through to carrying password lists in laptop cases, criminality can often stem from negligence. Never click on unknown file attachments that could be malicious, don’t downgrade antivirus settings, and change passwords regularly – without ever using ‘password’ or ‘1234’…