5 Wi-Fi vulnerabilities you need to know about

Denial of service (DoS) attacks

Like wired networks, Wi-Fi is susceptible to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, which can overwhelm a Wi-Fi network with excessive amount of traffic. This can cause the Wi-Fi to become slow or unavailable, disrupting normal operations of the network, or even the business.

A DoS attack can be launched by generating a large number of connection or authentication requests, or injecting the network with other bogus data to break the Wi-Fi. An attacker could also send de-authentication frames to disconnect devices from the Wi-Fi network, disrupting the connections and possibility getting the client devices to connect to rogue access points (APs). Attackers can also flood the network with fake or malicious beacon frames, causing confusion among connected devices and disrupting network operations.

Preventing Wi-Fi DoS attacks involves implementing security measures such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and traffic filtering. Regularly updating firmware, using strong encryption, and configuring network equipment to handle excessive traffic can also help mitigate the impact of DoS attacks. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns and promptly addressing any vulnerabilities can enhance overall Wi-Fi security.

Wi-Jacking authorized Wi-Fi devices

Wi-jacking occurs when a Wi-Fi-connected device has been accessed or taken over by an attacker. The attacker could retrieve saved Wi-Fi passwords or network authentication credentials on the computer or device. Then they could also install malware, spyware, or other software on the device. They could also manipulate the device’s settings, including the Wi-Fi configuration, to make the device connect to rogue APs.

Reducing the chances of Wi-jacking involves implementing general computer security measures, such as utilizing good antivirus and firewall protection, keeping devices physically secure, implementing anti-theft features, and educating users on social engineering attacks.

RF interference

RF interference can cause Wi-Fi disruptions. Instead of being caused by bad actors, RF interference could be triggered by poor network design, building changes, or other electronics emitting or leaking into the RF space. Interference can result in degraded performance, reduced throughput, and increased latency.