Securing wireless networks in the IoT era

Organisations must make strategic changes to effectively secure wired and wireless LANs while supporting business applications for use on mobile and desktop devices alike. This means taking a ‘mobile-first’ mentality.

IT organisations face constant change, which only seems to be speeding up with technology transformations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), anything-as-a-service (XaaS) and artificial intelligence. Security has always been important but it has become more complicated to secure wireless networks in the face of these new technologies.

Deploying ad hoc security is no longer good enough; enterprise networks need a secure access architecture for end-to-end protection.

We have identified three key steps for IT teams looking to improve security:

1. Review access layer security

Mobile workers use multiple devices to access mission-critical applications. The addition of IoT devices introduces new security challenges, with unsecured wireless devices being connected to networks. The nature of IoT devices means the consequences can be significant if they are hacked, resulting in equipment failure, financial losses and even personal injury. The burden is on the network to keep these devices secure.

2. Consider new access layer defence strategies

Most organisations already have basic defences in place, but should add intrusion prevention and application control for maximum protection. Defence strategies should include policies that cover all devices across all environments, mitigating the risk of users unintentionally creating openings for attacks. Technologically, companies should have multiple layers of defence, such as internal network segmentation, which makes it difficult for attackers to spread widely across the network including:

• wireless intrusion protection (WIP) systems to safeguard against rogue devices, unauthorised access and ad hoc networks;
• next-generation firewalls (NGFW) to fight advanced threats and respond to new cybercriminal tactics;
• visibility and control tools to enable configuration and management via an integrated, end-to-end security strategy;
• continuous scanning for malware to prevent access to malicious websites, end-point integrity checking and controlling application usage.

3. Select a secure WLAN solution

Companies need to implement multiple layers of defence against the increasingly sophisticated and persistent threats facing organisations. The security strategy should include an integrated wireless solution where control and security are combined in a single portfolio. All network components should be included: wireless, switching and security.

Companies should look for the most flexible WLAN options to mix and match deployment models for different use cases, locations and IT resources. The solution you choose needs to match your network and organisational structure, delivering the functionality and access you need without sacrificing protection. An integrated, end-to-end solution is more secure, scalable and cost-effective than piecemeal solutions.

Additionally, IT administrators need a single pane of glass view now more than ever to simplify the deployment and management of enterprise networks, applications and devices.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com/Kirsty Pargeter