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Employees Want To Be Mobile Having The Ability To Move From Their Des

Employees want to be mobile, having the ability to move from their desks to meetings and back again. How do you ensure that the data they are accessing follows the rules for CIA? In a 500- to 750-word essay, develop a plan for securing an enterprise level wireless network, such as the private WGCUSECURE WiFi Network used here on campus. Make sure to address the following: Which Wireless Security options would you deploy, preventing typical wireless attack vectors? Should you use a layered security approach? Why? Describe the strategy for your design. Include a network diagram. Use Microsoft Visio or online network diagraming tools, as identified in the required readings to visualize your design.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The proliferation of wireless networks in organizational environments has revolutionized the way employees access information and collaborate across various locations within the enterprise. Ensuring the security of such networks, especially those handling sensitive and confidential data, is paramount. This essay outlines a comprehensive, layered security strategy for safeguarding an enterprise-level wireless network—specifically, the WGCUSECURE WiFi network—while facilitating employee mobility. The approach emphasizes deploying robust wireless security measures, preventing common attack vectors, and ensuring compliance with the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability).

Wireless Security Options and Defense Mechanisms

To effectively secure the WGCUSECURE WiFi network, multiple wireless security options should be implemented. The core of wireless security begins with WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), the latest and most secure encryption standard, which significantly improves upon WPA2 by offering stronger cryptographic algorithms and better protection against dictionary and brute-force attacks (Microsoft, 2020). WPA3 also introduces individualized data encryption, which ensures that each user's data remains protected, further enhancing confidentiality.

In addition, deploying 802.1X authentication using a RADIUS server is essential. This approach enforces strict authentication protocols, requiring users to verify their identities via username and password or digital certificates before access is granted. It mitigates unauthorized access and provides centralized control over user credentials (Cisco, 2021). Complementing this, Secure SSID broadcasting, where the network name is not openly visible, diminishes the risk of attackers identifying the network for targeted attacks.

Furthermore, implementing Network Access Control (NAC) solutions adds an extra layer of security by evaluating the security posture of connecting devices. Devices must meet predefined security criteria—such as updated antivirus software and firewall status—before being granted network access (Fenn, 2019). This ensures that vulnerable or compromised devices do not become entry points for attacks.

Additionally, to prevent typical attack vectors such as man-in-the-middle (MITM), rogue access points, and packet sniffing, deploying Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) is vital. WIPS continuously monitors network traffic for signs of malicious activity and automatically isolates suspicious devices or configurations (Kumar et al., 2020).

Layered Security Approach and Its Necessity

A layered security approach, often termed "defense in depth," involves deploying multiple overlapping security controls to tackle threats from different angles. This approach is vital because it does not rely on a single security measure; instead, it provides redundancy, ensuring that if one control fails, others are in place to mitigate risks.

For instance, using WPA3 encryption alone is insufficient if device authentication or device posture is not verified. By combining WPA3, 802.1X, NAC, and WIPS, an enterprise can create a formidable security barrier that addresses various attack vectors including unauthorized access, data interception, and rogue access points. Layered security also accommodates the dynamic nature of wireless environments, where threats evolve rapidly, making it imperative to have multiple defenses.

Design Strategy and Network Diagram

The strategic design involves integrating security controls at multiple points within the wireless network infrastructure. At the core is the enterprise-grade wireless access point (AP) configured to support WPA3 and 802.1X authentication. An enterprise RADIUS server manages user credentials and permits access only to authenticated users. RACU and NAC systems continuously assess device compliance before switching the device to the internal network.

In the diagram, the wireless clients connect to the WAPS, which communicate securely over WPA3 and 802.1X. The WAPS send authentication requests to the RADIUS server, while the NAC evaluates device health. The WIPS monitors all wireless traffic for suspicious activity, alerting administrators of potential threats. Segregated subnetworks for guest and employee access are implemented with VLANs, ensuring segregation and further security control.

(Insert network diagram created in Microsoft Visio or an online diagramming tool here)

Conclusion

Securing an enterprise-level wireless network like WGCUSECURE demands a comprehensive, layered approach that combines advanced encryption, strict authentication, device posture assessment, and continuous monitoring. WPA3, 802.1X, NAC, and WIPS collectively defend against prevalent attack vectors, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability—aligning with the CIA triad. This multi-faceted strategy provides resilience against evolving threats while supporting the organization's mobility and productivity needs.

References

• Cisco. (2021). Wireless Security Best Practices. Cisco Systems. https://www.cisco.com
• Fenn, J. (2019). Network Access Control (NAC). Journal of Cybersecurity, 11(4), 55-62.
• Kumar, R., Singh, P., & Pandey, A. (2020). Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems: A Study. International Journal of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, 9(2), 105-112.
• Microsoft. (2020). Security in Windows Wi-Fi Configuration. Microsoft Documentation. https://docs.microsoft.com
• Fattah, H., & Djouab, M. (2018). RFID, NFC, and RFID Authentication Protocols. Journal of Wireless Networking Technology, 10, 45–56.
• Hussain, W., et al. (2021). Securing Wireless Networks Using Layered Defense. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 23(1), 123-146.
• Perkins, C., & Roy, S. (2019). Implementing 802.1X Network Access Control. Journal of Network Security, 12(3), 33–40.
• Chen, L., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Enhancing Wi-Fi Security With WPA3. IEEE Wireless Communications, 29(2), 72–78.
• Jones, S., & Clark, T. (2020). The Role of WIPS in Wireless Security. Journal of Information Technology Security, 15(4), 319–333.
• Santos, P., & Oliveira, M. (2017). Network Segregation with VLANs for Security. International Journal of Network Security, 19(1), 45–52.