Security strategies for wireless networks
Secure with WPA2
As of this writing, wireless networks based on WPA2 are regarded as mostly secure. Dictionary attacks on the pre-shared key are the most promising vector – assuming the attacker has enough time and computer power. Theoretically, the broadcast and multicast keys represent another vulnerability. All network nodes need to know them, and an attacker who discovers one of the keys can at least sniff the key exchange between the access point and the workstation.
Thanks to the WPA2 standard's security design, modern wireless networks now have fairly effective security. The biggest factor of uncertainty is with the user. Today, wherever an inquisitive intruder gains access to a modern WLAN infrastructure and applies enough criminal energy to access the network and cause damage, a careless access point configuration is usually the root cause. So take some time to consider your WLAN router's individual settings carefully (Figure 2).
Figure 2: The Kismet WiFi scanner can check your own wireless network for vulnerabilities – and discover information about the protocols used on your network.
If you want to reduce the residual risk even further, you can add software-based protection for the WLAN. If you use a tunnel, such as a VPN with IPSec, you can raise the barrier even for experienced hackers. As is often the case, the free Linux operating system, with its many built-in security components, is a perfect choice for eliminating residual risk.
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
The GNU Project Celebrates Its 40th Birthday
September 27 marks the 40th anniversary of the GNU Project, and it was celebrated with a hacker meeting in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
-
Linux Kernel Reducing Long-Term Support
LTS support for the Linux kernel is about to undergo some serious changes that will have a considerable impact on the future.
-
Fedora 39 Beta Now Available for Testing
For fans and users of Fedora Linux, the first beta of release 39 is now available, which is a minor upgrade but does include GNOME 45.
-
Fedora Linux 40 to Drop X11 for KDE Plasma
When Fedora 40 arrives in 2024, there will be a few big changes coming, especially for the KDE Plasma option.
-
Real-Time Ubuntu Available in AWS Marketplace
Anyone looking for a Linux distribution for real-time processing could do a whole lot worse than Real-Time Ubuntu.
-
KSMBD Finally Reaches a Stable State
For those who've been looking forward to the first release of KSMBD, after two years it's no longer considered experimental.
-
Nitrux 3.0.0 Has Been Released
The latest version of Nitrux brings plenty of innovation and fresh apps to the table.
-
Linux From Scratch 12.0 Now Available
If you're looking to roll your own Linux distribution, the latest version of Linux From Scratch is now available with plenty of updates.
-
Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.
-
UbuntuDDE 23.04 Now Available
A new version of the UbuntuDDE remix has finally arrived with all the updates from the Deepin desktop and everything that comes with the Ubuntu 23.04 base.