Course 10 - Network Security Fundamentals | Episode 2: Securing Wireless and Mobile Networks: Standards, Threats, and Best Practices

Update: 2025-11-23

Description

In this lesson, you’ll learn about:

Wireless networking standards and operating modes
Wi-Fi security best practices and hardening techniques
Cellular/mobile device threats and defensive controls
Common wireless attacks and mitigation strategies

I. Wireless Network Standards and Basics Wi-Fi (802.11 Standard) Overview Wi-Fi is based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards and uses radio waves to transmit data. The most common frequencies are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, regulated by authorities such as the FCC. Evolution of Key 802.11 Amendments

802.11a: 5 GHz
802.11b: 2.4 GHz
802.11g: 2.4 GHz (faster successor to 11b)
802.11n: Operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
802.11ac: Supports speeds up to ~1 Gbps
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Expected speeds up to ~10 Gbps

Network Operating Modes

Infrastructure Mode: Central router/AP manages communication (default in homes & businesses).
Ad-Hoc Mode: Peer-to-peer direct communication without an access point.

The network name broadcast by the access point is the SSID (Service Set Identifier). II. Wi-Fi Security and Hardening Practices Legacy Methods to Avoid

WEP: Extremely insecure; crackable in under 5 minutes (e.g., via Aircrack-ng).
Original WPA: Outdated and vulnerable.

Current Standard

WPA2-AES: Modern, strong encryption; trusted by government agencies and industry.

Critical Hardening Techniques

Change all default settings:
Default usernames, passwords, and SSIDs often reveal the device manufacturer and potential vulnerabilities.
Use non-descriptive SSIDs:
Avoid names indicating location, company, or purpose (OPSEC).
Enable 802.1X EAP authentication:
Provides strong client verification.
MAC Filtering:
Restricts access to pre-approved hardware devices. (Not perfect, but adds friction.)
Network Isolation:
Guest Wi-Fi should be separated from internal corporate networks.
Firmware Updates:
Essential to patch vulnerabilities (e.g., WPA2 KRACK).
Consider alternative firmware such as DD-WRT or OpenWRT.
Use WIDS/WIPS:
Wireless Intrusion Detection/Prevention systems to monitor or block threats.
Emanation Security (MSE):
Limit broadcast power to prevent signals from leaking outside the intended perimeter.
Consider static IP assignments:
Makes it harder for attackers to validate successful infiltration.

III. Cellular Networks and Mobile Device Security Cellular Threats

IMSI Catchers (Stingrays):
Fake cell towers used for Man-in-the-Middle attacks, capturing voice, SMS, and metadata.

Secure Communication Practices

Always use end-to-end encrypted protocols, such as:
- Signal Protocol (Signal, WhatsApp) for calls, messages, and video
  Standard voice calls and SMS are unencrypted and easily intercepted.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) Organizations use MDM to enforce:

Screen lock and passcode policies
App installation restrictions
Remote wipe capability
Account lockout rules
Corporate/BYOD separation of data

Location Security Control GPS and geotagging to prevent exposure of sensitive operations (e.g., military, law enforcement, executive movement). 5G Concerns Ongoing scrutiny exists due to unresolved privacy and security vetting. IV. Wireless Attacks and Mitigation Strategies 1. Rogue Access Points / Evil Twin Attacks Attack: Fake hotspots mimic legitimate networks to steal credentials or intercept traffic.
Mitigation:

Employee education about correct SSID names
Disable auto-connect to unknown networks

2. WPA2 KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) Attack: Exploits the 4-way handshake to reinstall encryption keys.
Mitigation:

Immediate firmware and OS updates across all vendors

3. MAC Address Spoofing Attack: Impersonates a trusted device to bypass MAC filtering.
Mitigation:

Use stronger authentication (e.g., 802.1X)

4. Packet Sniffing Attack: Unencrypted data intercepted over the air.
Mitigation:

Enforce secure, encrypted protocols end-to-end

5. Peer-to-Peer Attacks Attack: Malicious activity from devices on the same local wireless network.
Mitigation:

Client isolation
Strong network segmentation

6. Social Engineering Attack: Human manipulation—tricking users into revealing credentials or taking unsafe actions.
Mitigation:

Security awareness training
"Trust but Verify" approach to all requests and identities

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Course 10 - Network Security Fundamentals | Episode 2: Securing Wireless and Mobile Networks: Standards, Threats, and Best Practices

#box-pro-ellipsis-176436539885430{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Course 10 - Network Security Fundamentals | Episode 2: Securing Wireless and Mobile Networks: Standards, Threats, and Best Practices

Course 10 - Network Security Fundamentals | Episode 2: Securing Wireless and Mobile Networks: Standards, Threats, and Best Practices

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Course 10 - Network Security Fundamentals | Episode 2: Securing Wireless and Mobile Networks: Standards, Threats, and Best Practices