In today's hyper-connected world, WiFi isn't just a convenience; it's a critical component of any successful business. With an increased dependency on internet connectivity for day-to-day tasks, customer relations, and data management, businesses are increasingly looking for WiFi solutions that can truly keep them connected. However, a recent surge in high-profile WiFi security breaches has raised serious concerns about the vulnerabilities inherent of traditional WiFi networks.
In this article we dive into the world of WiFi as it stands today, from the rise of managed WiFi services, to the growing risk of business-damning hacks.
We'll discuss:
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What are some recent examples of WiFi hacks affecting businesses?
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How can businesses protect themselves from WiFi-related cyber threats?
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Why are managed WiFi services growing in popularity?
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What are the advantages of outsourcing WiFi management?
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Tips for tackling WiFi-related cyber threats in-house
What are some recent examples of WiFi hacks affecting businesses?
The undeniable impact of WiFi on businesses can be seen in every area, from improving customer experience to enabling flexible working conditions. So much so, that in the UK, 26% of workers operate on a hybrid model that allows them to work from home, and their office.
WiFi has overhauled business as a whole, but its also exposed companies to a host of risks, including cyberattacks. In 2024, the UK government estimates that 50% of all businesses, and 32% of charities experienced some form of cyber breach in the last 12 months.
Just last month (September 2024), the UK Rail WiFi network was hacked, with cybercriminals redirecting the site to a past UK terror attack. On the hack, one cybersecurity expert commented,
"The attack on the public Wi-Fi at UK railway stations shows how vulnerable our critical national infrastructure can be when third-party services aren’t properly secured. It’s worrying that a system like this, used daily by thousands of passengers, was compromised and used to display terroristic messages,.”
WiFi vulnerabilities have become a growing concern for many years, with hackers finding new vulnerabilities on a constant basis.
Let's take a look at some recent WiFi hacks.
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Fake Tesla Network: In 2024, security researchers demonstrated just how easy a WiFi hack could be, by setting up a fake Tesla WiFi network that could steal the login information of Tesla car owners. Using a hacking tool that cost just $169, these researchers successfully set up a WiFi network that could collect usernames, passwords, and even two-factor authentication code.
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Router Vulnerability: In 2023, popular WiFi router "TP-Link" was alerted to a key vulnerability, resulting in malicious attacks on a global scale. Interestingly, this malware attack could imitate legitimate network traffic, making it harder to distinguish between malicious and legitimate traffic to resolve the issue.
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Critical Connected Devices: In 2022, hundreds of Wi-Fi enabled products relying on Realtek technology - encompassing over 60 different manufacturers - were found to have a critical vulnerability. This vulnerability meant hackers could exploit these flaws to execute code that would allow them complete control over the devices. On the vulnerability, Palo Alto Networks wrote, “As of December 2022, we’ve observed 134 million exploit attempts in total leveraging this vulnerability, and about 97% of these attacks occurred after the start of August 2022. At the time of writing, the attack is still ongoing,”.
As more businesses rely on WiFi, IoT and the requirement of their staff to safely connect anytime, and anywhere, the risk of WiFi-related cyber threats increase, making it crucial for companies to adopt a strategic approach to getting online.
How can businesses protect themselves from WiFi-related cyber threats?
Anti WiFi hacking measures are on the rise, with the UK Gov noting an uptick in safety procedures and protocols. This includes:
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Prioirtising up-to-date malware protection (up from 76% to 83%)
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Restricting admin rights (up from 67% to 73%)
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Network firewalls (up from 66% to 75%)
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Agreed processes for phishing emails (up from 48% to 54%).
Despite this, hacks persist, particularly for businesses without a sufficiently airtight approach to their connectivity ecosystem.
WiFi very easily facilitates smooth operations while enhancing productivity, but if not managed properly, it can also open avenues for cyberattacks. This is precisely why managed WiFi services are becoming a preferred option for businesses looking to safeguard their networks.
Managed WiFi services are stepping up to the plate to meet a demand for streamlined operations, seamless internet accessibility, and secure-first frameworks. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, managed WiFi services can provide an extra layer of security through cutting-edge technologies and continuous monitoring.
Let's look at this in a little more detail.
Why are managed WiFi services growing in popularity?
Before we dive into the rise of Managed WiFi services, what exactly are they?
Managed WiFi services involve outsourcing the setup, management, and maintenance of a WiFi network to a third-party provider. This service includes not just the initial installation, but also regular monitoring, troubleshooting, and updates. By relying on experienced providers who specialize in network management, businesses can ensure a seamless, uninterrupted connectivity experience.
A provider typically offers a suite of services ranging from conducting site surveys to determine the best network design, to deploying and configuring hardware, leasing equipment if necessary, and continuously monitoring performance to address any issues that arise.
This approach is designed to alleviate the technical burden from businesses, allowing them to focus on their core functions rather than becoming involved in complex network management. It's a proactive strategy that can ensure that WiFi networks are secure, efficient, and optimized at all times.
In today's fast-paced digital world, businesses are increasingly turning to managed WiFi services for a multitude of compelling reasons. Let's take them one by one.
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Get Connected, Fast: One of the foremost reasons is the ever-growing demand for reliable and fast internet connectivity to support a seamless workflow. With more devices connecting to networks than ever before, businesses require a robust system that can handle the high traffic without compromising on speed or security.
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Informed Expertise: Managed WiFi services offer a level of expertise and specialization that many businesses find hard to replicate in-house. The complexities of setting up, monitoring, and maintaining an efficient WiFi network can detract from a company's core activities. Managed services provide professionals who ensure the network is running optimally at all times.
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Scalability: As businesses expand, managed WiFi services provide the flexibility to scale up their network capabilities quickly and efficiently without significant disruptions. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that experience seasonal spikes in demand or are exploring new markets.
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Security: Managed WiFi solutions also bring much-needed security enhancements. Given the rise in cyber threats and data breaches, businesses cannot afford to disregard network security. Managed WiFi providers deliver advanced security protocols and regular updates to protect against potential vulnerabilities.
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Support and Reports: Finally, managed WiFi services often include detailed reporting and support. Businesses receive valuable insights into network performance, helping them make informed decisions. The 24/7 support offered by service providers further ensures that any issues are resolved swiftly, minimizing downtime and maintaining uninterrupted connectivity.
What are the advantages of outsourcing WiFi management?
Firstly, these services involve comprehensive monitoring and reporting capabilities. By continuously monitoring your network traffic, they can quickly detect unusual patterns or unauthorized access attempts, reducing the potential for data breaches. This real-time vigilance is crucial, in a world where cyber threats are on the rise.
Moreover, managed WiFi providers ensure that your network is regularly updated with the latest security patches and protocols. This proactive approach means your WiFi infrastructure is always fortified against the newest vulnerabilities and threats, which you might overlook if managing the network independently.
With expert-managed support, sophisticated encryption techniques like WPA3 are used to secure data transmitted over the network, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and accessible only to authorized users. Additionally, these services provide you with advanced firewall solutions that can integrate seamlessly into your existing systems, offering an extra layer of protection.
Lastly, managed WiFi services often incorporate sophisticated user authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and role-based access controls. These mechanisms ensure that only trusted personnel can access certain network resources, significantly minimizing the risk of insider threats.
In conclusion, leveraging managed WiFi services empowers you to maintain a secure network environment, allowing you to focus on core business operations with peace of mind, knowing that your digital assets are well-protected against potential cyber threats.
Tips for tackling WiFi-related cyber threats in-house
If you're seeking to manage Wifi-related cyber threats in-house, how should you go about it?
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First, regularly updade your routers and access points with the latest firmware. This ensures that any vulnerabilities identified by the manufacturer are patched swiftly, preventing potential unauthorized access.
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Implement strong encryption protocols, such as WPA3, to drastically educe the risk of data being intercepted by malicious actors. In addition to this, you should set up network segmentation to help isolate sensitive data, making it less accessible to hackers who might gain entry through less secure parts of the network.
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Guest networks are another important layer of defence, as they provide a designated space for visitors to connect without accessing the primary network where sensitive business information resides. Coupled with robust traffic monitoring, these solutions can flag unusual activities, enabling swift action before issues escalate.
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Finally, regularly review and update administration rights. This limits access only to those who need it, minimizing internal risk.
Support with WiFi
WiFi weighing you down? At Lyon Tech, we provide expert Managed WiFi services designed to optimise, secure, and streamline your operations. Discover how we could help you today.
