Wired vs Wireless Network Security
Are wired networks more secure than wireless networks?
Wired vs Wireless Network Security
Whether an organization has a wireless or wired network, security should be a top priority for the IT administrators who manage it. Today, however, many organizations are replacing wired networks with wireless networks because wireless networks allow remote access and require few cables, cords, and hookups.
Are Wired Networks More Secure Than Wireless Networks?
In the past, wired networks were considered to be far more secure than wireless networks. Today, however, wireless networks are as secure as wired networks, so long as they are properly configured.
According to TechTarget,
“When comparing wireless vs. wired security, securing a wireless network is even more important than securing a wired network for one simple reason: Accessing a wireless network does not require physical access to a network jack or cable, as does accessing a wired network. Wireless networks use radio transmissions to carry data between end users and the network and it is difficult to contain those radio waves. Therefore, it’s possible for someone to sit in your office building’s lobby or parking lot and eavesdrop on wireless network communications.”
How can MSPs safeguard wireless networks against unauthorized access?
Here are several tools that MSPs and IT administrators can use to protect the wireless networks they manage, including:
- Encryption. Encryption protects the confidentiality of data transmitted via the Internet or a computer network by scrambling the original message with a large digital number (also known as a key). Wireless networks support two types of encryption: Wi-Fi protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).
- Web filtering. Web filtering restricts which websites a user can visit from his or her computer, minimizing the risks associated with visiting malicious sites that can contain malware, spyware, spam, adware, and phishing.
- Antivirus. An antivirus helps prevent, detect, and remove malicious software on a computer or device.
- Remote management. Being able to remotely monitor and manage networks is a must for most MSPs, especially those who oversee several customer networks. A remote management solution gives complete visibility into every device on every network and even sends alerts when devices are added or modified.
N‑able™ is the world’s leading integrated IT Service Management platform. Whether you are looking to improve the security of a wired or wireless network, N‑able delivers tools that streamline the process.
N‑able