To prevent unauthorized access to the wireless network while providing wireless access to employees and clients in the common outside areas, the company can implement a combination of security technologies and best practices. One essential security measure is using Wireless Encryption to protect data transmitted over the wireless network. Encryption is a process of encoding data so that only authorized users with the appropriate decryption key can understand the information (Wang et al., 2022). A widely used encryption protocol is Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) or Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3). By employing strong encryption, the company ensures that even if someone intercepts the wireless traffic, they won’t be able to decipher the sensitive information.
In addition to encryption, the company can set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for employees and authorized clients. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and the company’s internal network. This protects data from interception and provides anonymity for users by masking their IP addresses. Employees and authorized clients can connect to the company’s internal network using a VPN client on their devices, even when accessing it from outside areas, like the common outdoor spaces between the two buildings. This way, the data transmitted remains secure and isolated from potential threats.
Centralized authentication and access control can be achieved through a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server. A RADIUS server allows the company to enforce strong user authentication and control access to the wireless network based on individual credentials (DeKok et al., 2019). Each user must provide unique login credentials before gaining access to the network. This ensures that only authorized personnel can connect to the company’s network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Another important step is segregating the guest network from the company’s internal network. By creating a dedicated guest Wi-Fi network, visitors and clients can access the internet and basic services while being isolated from the internal network and sensitive resources. This prevents unauthorized guests from potentially accessing confidential information or interfering with the company’s network infrastructure.
To monitor and protect the network from potential threats, the company can deploy Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System (IDS/IPS) at key points in the network infrastructure. IDS detects and alerts the security team about suspicious activities, while IPS takes proactive measures to block or prevent potential threats (Khraisat et al., 2019). By having these security systems in place, the company can quickly respond to any unauthorized access attempts or security breaches. Enforcing strong password policies and implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is also crucial for network security. Employees and clients should use complex passwords, which are changed regularly, and 2FA provides an additional layer of security. With 2FA, users need to provide a second form of authentication, like a one-time code sent to their mobile device, after entering their password. This ensures that even if someone manages to obtain a user’s password, they still need the additional factor to access the network.
Firewalls play a critical role in network security by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. By configuring firewalls to allow only necessary traffic and blocking unauthorized attempts, the company can protect its network from external threats and potentially malicious activities. By combining these security technologies and best practices, the company can create a secure and reliable wireless network that provides authorized access to employees and clients while keeping unauthorized users at bay. This comprehensive approach ensures data confidentiality, and network integrity, and protects sensitive information from potential cyber threats, providing a safe and seamless wireless experience for everyone involved.
References
DeKok, A., & Korhonen, J. (2019). Dynamic Authorization Proxying in the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) Protocol (No. rfc8559).
Khraisat, A., Gondal, I., Vamplew, P., & Kamruzzaman, J. (2019). Survey of intrusion detection systems: techniques, datasets, and challenges. Cybersecurity, 2(1), 1-22.
Wang, H. L., Ma, H. F., & Cui, T. J. (2022). A Polarization‐Modulated Information Metasurface for Encryption Wireless Communications. Advanced Science, 9(34), 2204333.
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