Wi-Fi has become an undeniable part of the modern day business world. With the rise in cloud computing and the increasing independence on the internet to help fulfill business tasks, it is nearly impossible to run a business without it. Furthermore, IoT devices such as wireless cameras and thermostats all depend on it to run successfully.
In fact, 63% of global mobile data traffic is anticipated to be transferred to Wi-Fi networks instead of relying on mobile networks by 2021. Sadly, vulnerabilities such as the KRACK vulnerability tend to limit the extent to which you can enjoy a strong Wi-Fi connection without fearing a security breach. Is your business really ready enough to face this threat?
Here is some information about the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability and how to circumvent it:
Who Is At Risk Of KRACK Attacks?
As long as you use Wi-Fi, you are at risk. The attack is mainly aimed at Wi-Fi connections that use WPA2 protocols where a design error makes it easy for hackers to eavesdrop on encrypted traffic. This can offer them access to things like account passwords and credit card details.
While it might be tougher to identify the threat through conventional means, you can still identify it through Network monitoring software by monitoring packets and traffic. Luckily, the hackers need to be within range to gain access to your Wi-Fi and manipulate it in the first place. On the other hand, most companies affiliated with Wi-Fi networks have been working to fix these vulnerabilities on their devices.
Why the Threat Might Last Longer Than Expected
Sure, companies like Microsoft and Apple have worked their way up to provide patches to their devices. While smartphones, computers, and devices might easily be patched, it might take time actually to reach the level of IoT devices. IoT devices rarely receive any updates to eliminate such threats, not to mention that they are often manufactured with security as an afterthought.
While you might strive to update all your IoT devices, it might seem like an uphill task given that IoT devices are everywhere, from garage doors to CCTV cameras. All these are attack points for hackers.
Updating Devices Is the First Step
Keeping all devices that use Wi-Fi networks updated will easily help improve the security of your business. This will require you to make an inventory of all IT assets that need access to your Wi-Fi network and check for updates. Since updates might be irregular in terms of schedules, it makes sense to allocate the duty for updating these assets to a specific individual in your organization.
On the flip side, it might seem like too much work to update all IoT devices and concentrate on the regular updates. If you have the monetary resources, it might count to replace the existing devices with ones that have already been updated enough to eliminate the threat that lies in KRACK threats.
Access Data from the Right Websites
Despite having vulnerable Wi-Fi, only visiting websites that have high encryption policies might limit the chances of hackers gaining access to your most prized data. Ideally, you should concentrate on interacting with websites whose URL starts with HTTPS. The “S” in the end draws the line between a website that is borderline unsafe and one that embraces high encryption policies.
Urge employees to only visit HTTPS websites both when using work and personal devices. This will limit the chances of a security threat finding its way into your organization through either type of device.
Conclusion
The KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability is a great example of what happens when businesses only approach security with the checkbox mentality, by only looking to be compliant. The more prepared your business can be to such threats, the easier it will survive them. Consider the tips above to remain safe from the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability.