Wireless technologies have become an essential part of modern businesses, providing employees with convenient access to company resources and networks while on the go. However, these technologies are often vulnerable to security threats, which can have serious consequences for businesses.

One significant issue with enterprise wireless technologies is the use of weak passwords. It is common for employees to use simple and easily guessable passwords for their wireless accounts, making it easy for hackers to gain access to the network. To mitigate this risk, businesses should enforce strong password policies, requiring employees to use complex passwords that are difficult to guess.

Another security concern with enterprise wireless technologies is the use of outdated protocols. The Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 protocols have been widely adopted as a secure way to encrypt wireless communication, but a newer standard called WPA3 should be implemented. WPA3 offers even stronger security measures, such as improved protection against dictionary attacks and the use of more secure encryption algorithms. Businesses should consider upgrading to WPA3 in order to enhance the security of their wireless networks.

One way to improve the security of enterprise wireless technologies is through the implementation of strong authentication methods. Instead of relying solely on a shared password to access the corporate network, it is better for the business to implement an 802.1x authentication system that requires a username and password, and possibly a certificate, for corporate-owned devices. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to the network.

Another way to enhance the security of enterprise wireless technologies is through the use of Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles. MDM allows businesses to remotely configure and manage the security settings of employee devices, including setting up strong passcodes, encrypting data, and installing security updates. By using MDM, businesses can ensure that all devices accessing company resources meet minimum security standards.

For complete control in a zero-trust organization, it is recommended to implement a network access control (NAC) system. A NAC system is a security measure that controls which devices are allowed to access a network and under what circumstances. By implementing a NAC system, businesses can ensure that only authorized devices are able to connect to the network, helping to prevent unauthorized access.No one said this was going to be easy, change is hard for most and adding one more step of security can drive your staff crazy. Ensure to have proper training on how to use the technology prior to deploying to ensure acceptability of the new standard.

The increasing trend of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies in the workplace has also contributed to the lack of security in enterprise wireless technologies. With BYOD, employees are able to use their personal devices to access company resources, including sensitive data. This can be convenient for employees, but it also increases the risk of data breaches, as personal devices may not have the same level of security as company-owned devices. To address this issue, businesses should leverage policies and technologies such as NAC with MDM to ensure that personal devices meet minimum security standards before being granted access to company resources. This also ensures that personal devices have restricted or blocked access to the corporate network.

The lack of security in enterprise wireless technologies is a significant concern for businesses. To protect themselves and their customers from potential data breaches, businesses should implement strong authentication methods, use a NAC system to manage device authentication and policy, and enforce strong password policies.