447 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. OVERVIEW Wireless networks offer the ability to connect devices through radio waves as opposed to hard-wired connections. Wireless networks can be configured in multiple modes, each offering differing connection methods and cryptographic algorithms. IT staff must be prepared to support all types of wireless configurations and configure appropriate security settings. Wireless and mobile access present significant security challenges for network administrators because the risk of data interception is increased exponentially when communication is transferred wirelessly. Without robust security, it is much easier to intercept and manipulate data sent over radio waves than over a networking cable. In this chapter, you will learn about different types of wireless connection meth- ods as well as how wireless security concerns are addressed. Additionally, you will learn about methods to document and analyze your Wi-Fi signals, and the types of threats that are launched against wireless networks and technologies. Wireless Network Security Wireless network security is the process of enabling security on a wireless local area network. It is a specific subset of network security that focuses on protecting mobile and other wireless devices from attacks or interception of data. A wireless local area network (WLAN), or Wi-Fi, is a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves rather than a copper-core or fiber-optic cable. Wi-Fi communica- tion technology operates on the unlicensed spectrum as defined in 1997 by the IEEE 802.11 standards. There have been several revisions to the original 802.11 standard as outlined in Figure 14-1. The IEEE 802.11 standards were the foundation of wireless security protocols developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. There have been a number of iterations to the Wi-Fi Alliance’s security protocols, including WEP, WPS, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3. However, the two most common security protocols used by wireless networks today are WPA2 and WPA3. SECURITY+ NOTE The prevalence of wireless connectivity has increased drastically over the last decade. As such, the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam places heavy emphasis on its candidates understanding the inherent vulnerabilities and common attacks to wireless networks. Additionally, understanding the role of authentication in Enterprise Wi-Fi, along with consumer access points, is vital to obtaining a Security+ Certification. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher IEEE Standard Year Released Radio Frequency Approximate Speed 802.11a 1999 5 GHz 54 Mbps 802.11b 1999 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps 802.11g 2003 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps 802.11n 2009 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz 54–600 Mbps 802.11ac 2013 2.4 Ghz or 5 GHz 450–1300 Mbps 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) 2019 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Up to 3.5 Gbps Figure 14-1 The IEEE 802.11 standard is the basis of Wi-Fi and has been updated several times since its inception.