Beginner’s Guide to Wireless Authentication Protocols
Wireless networks have become an integral part of our daily routine as they interconnect our devices and provide us with the convenience of mobile internet access. The convenience of wireless connectivity necessitates robust security measures to protect our sensitive information and privacy.
This is why implementing wireless authentication protocols is of the utmost importance. Wireless authentication protocols guarantee that legitimate users are granted access to wireless networks. This introductory guide will delve into the primary wireless authentication protocols, particularly emphasizing WPA2 Enterprise and its comparative advantages over other methodologies.
Understanding Wireless Authentication Protocols
Establishing and enforcing rigorous wireless network access restrictions is made possible using wireless authentication protocols, which are vital to network security. Developing secure connections, preventing unauthorized access, and protecting data and privacy depend on these standards being put into practice. We will examine the following main wireless authentication techniques in more detail:
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
WEP, the inaugural security protocol for wireless networks, holds historical significance in cybersecurity. However, its current security status is deemed inadequate due to notable vulnerabilities.
The WEP protocol employs a uniform encryption key that remains static across all network devices. Regrettably, the data’s security has been compromised due to the vulnerability of the static key, which can be effortlessly intercepted and utilized to its detriment. For that reason, we don’t recommend utilizing WEP today.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
WPA was developed to address its vulnerabilities as a security enhancement to its predecessor, WEP. The WPA protocol implemented the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to ensure that encryption keys are generated dynamically for every data packet transmitted.
The implementation of this particular feature significantly enhances the level of complexity that malicious actors must overcome to successfully decipher the encrypted traffic. The utilization of Message Integrity Check (MIC) has been incorporated by WPA to detect any potential tampering efforts. Although WPA represents a step forward in comparison to WEP, it remains susceptible to various vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors, ultimately compromising its security.
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
Currently, WPA2 stands as the predominant industry standard for upholding wireless security. Implementing an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instead of TKIP enhances the security of WPA.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a robust encryption methodology that presents formidable obstacles to malevolent entities endeavoring to decipher sensitive information. The WPA2 protocol offers discrete modes of operation, specifically Personal (WPA2-PSK) and Enterprise (WPA2-Enterprise).
WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key)
In this particular mode of operation, the devices undergo authentication by means of a pre-established password, commonly referred to as a Pre-Shared Key (PSK). Using a uniform password across multiple network devices can pose a potential security threat, particularly in extensive deployment scenarios.
Consider a coffee shop that provides its customers with the same password. An intruder who acquires the password may enter the network and steal data from any linked device — and passwords aren’t necessarily difficult to acquire.
DailyQuiz (previously ThisCrush) had a breach in January, allowing hackers access to a database of around 13 million users. The attackers obtained 8.3 million users’ unencrypted passwords, email addresses, and IP addresses and sold them on the Dark Web, finally finding their way into the public domain in May after being swapped via several data brokers.
Too many organizations make the mistake of storing critical user information unencrypted. No database is completely safe, and if a hacker manages to access it, encrypting the data within would make it indecipherable — hence, unusable — to them.
WPA2-PSK is a popular home network choice due to its ease of use. However, it should not be utilized in professional settings. WPA2-Enterprise offers more robust security and should be considered by businesses.
WPA2-Enterprise
WPA2-Enterpise is highly suitable for enterprise environments because it utilizes the robust 802.1X authentication infrastructure. It requires a few components to implement successfully:
- Supplicant
- Access point
- Authentication server
A supplicant, a mobile device, or a laptop is the device that begins connecting to the network in an 802.1X architecture. The Access Point or switch performs the authenticator role, and the authentication server (usually a RADIUS server) checks the supplicant’s credentials.
The supplicant sends their login details to the authenticator, which then sends them to the authentication server. Then the authentication server checks the passwords and tells the authenticator what to do next. If the passwords are accepted, the authenticator gives entry to the network. If not, the door is closed.
802.1X hardware makes networks safer by letting each user authenticate themselves rather than having one password for the whole network. It is often used in business settings to ensure that only authorized devices and users can connect to the network and access private resources.
Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
WPA3 represents the most recent advancement in wireless security protocols, designed to address vulnerabilities identified in preceding iterations. The system provides enhanced security functionalities such as heightened encryption and fortified protection against offline password-cracking endeavors. While WPA3 is a promising development in cybersecurity, it is important to note that its compatibility with current devices may be limited due to its nascent stage of development.
WPA2-Enterprise: Enhancing Wireless Security With Digital Certificates
Network Authentication With Digital Certificates Instead of Passwords
The combination of WPA2-Enterprise and 802.1X yields robust security measures for wireless networks. However, if you still use passwords, your organization’s network will remain vulnerable even with 802.1X authentication infrastructure.
By utilizing digital certificates for authentication, this solution addresses the limitations of traditional protocols and provides enhanced security, scalability, and precise management of user access permissions. In the next section, we’ll delve into the intricacies of WPA2-Enterprise and scrutinize its efficacy in safeguarding Wi-Fi connections.
WPA2 Enterprise and 802.1X
WPA2 Enterprise is a security mechanism that operates within the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) protocol. The utilization of the 802.1X authentication framework is leveraged to enhance the security of enterprise environments.
Utilizing digital certificates is an important and more secure aspect of WPA2 Enterprise, which serves to authenticate users and devices. This contrasts with WPA2 Personal (WPA2-PSK), which relies on a shared passphrase for authentication.
Digital Certificates for Authentication
Digital certificates serve as electronic authentication mechanisms that validate the authenticity of both users and connected devices. The aforementioned certificates are issued by a trustworthy Certification Authority (CA) and contain crucial information such as the public key of the entity, identity particulars, and the digital signature of the CA. Upon initiating a connection to a WPA2 Enterprise network, the client device proffers its digital certificate to the authentication server to verify its identity.
Advantages of WPA2 Enterprise and Digital Certificates
WPA2 Enterprise, when used with digital certificates, provides greater security and scalability by eliminating the vulnerabilities associated with shared passwords. It offers strong network protection and efficient authentication procedures by having the ability to enforce granular user access control. Below is a detailed discussion of the advantages:
1. Enhanced Security
Using digital certificates, WPA2 Enterprise reduces the security vulnerabilities from shared passwords. Using strategies like social engineering or brute-force assaults, passwords may be readily compromised.
On the other hand, a digital certificate’s private key is securely kept on the client device and offers a greater type of authentication. Consequently, the possibility of unauthorized network access is greatly reduced.
2. Scalability
WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1X authentication is suitable for bigger organizations with a large user base since it provides centralized administration and authentication functions. Digital certificates, which allow dynamic, per-user authentication, simplify adding or deleting users from the network. This scalability ensures efficient network access management and maintenance.
3. Granular User Access Control
The ability of WPA2 Enterprise to impose granular user access controls is one of its key benefits. Administrators can provide customized access privileges for various user groups or people using the 802.1X standard.
This degree of control improves network security by ensuring that each user is given the appropriate privileges based on their position or requirements. Granular access control reduces the possibility of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Authentication Protocols for WPA2 Enterprise
WPA2 Enterprise supports a variety of authentication protocols. These protocols are essential to the authentication process because they provide secure connections and enable the identification of persons and devices. Let’s analyze some of the popular WPA2 Enterprise authentication protocols:
- EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security)
- PEAP-MSCHAPv2 (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol – Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol version 2)
- PAP (Password Authentication Protocol)
- EAP-TTLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Tunneled Transport Layer Security)
EAP-TLS
EAP-TLS is a trusted and highly secure authentication method often used in WPA2 Enterprise networks. The client device and the authentication server’s identities are verified using digital certificates.
During the authentication process, the client presents the server with their digital certificate, and the server verifies their validity. EAP-TLS facilitates secure communication by creating an encrypted connection between the client and the server.
PEAP-MSCHAPv2
PEAP-MSCHAPv2 is another widely used authentication method in WPA2 Enterprise networks, particularly in Microsoft settings. It combines EAP-TLS security with the simplicity of username/password authentication.
Initial authentication in this protocol happens across a secure tunnel between the client and the server. The server subsequently verifies the client’s credentials using the MS-CHAPv2 protocol, which protects the authentication process from hacking or eavesdropping.
PAP
Even though PAP is thought to be less secure than PEAP-MSCHAPv2 and EAP-TLS, some WPA2 Enterprise implementations offer it nevertheless. PAP includes sending the user’s password to the authentication server in clear text for validation.
However, because of the lack of encryption, PAP is vulnerable to interception and is not generally suggested for usage in secure contexts. It can be applied when stronger authentication mechanisms are not supported or in legacy systems.
EAP-TTLS
EAP-TTLS is an authentication protocol that offers other authentication methods a secure tunnel. It combines Transport Layer Security’s (TLS) security with EAP’s adaptability. EAP-TTLS permits using several authentication techniques inside the secure tunnel, including PAP, CHAP, and MS-CHAPv2. It supports a larger range of credential types while ensuring secure authentication.
Unleash the Power of WPA2 Enterprise and Passwordless Authentication
SecureW2 provides an end-to-end solution for deploying WPA2-Enterprise and improving network security. We offer solutions that simplify implementing digital certificates, do away with the need for passwords, and provide a streamlined authentication process for your users.
With SecureW2’s managed PKI, administrators can create as many certificate authorities as they need and manage all steps of the certificate lifecycle. We also provide simple onboarding technology for managed and unmanaged devices to ensure each certificate is issued to all devices.
SecureW2 also provides Cloud RADIUS, a cloud-based RADIUS server solution that verifies the validity of PKI-issued digital certificates. Implementing WPA2-Enterprise securely and flexibly is possible with Cloud RADIUS’s centralized and managed user authentication, accounting, and authorization procedures.
SecureW2’s solutions let you deploy WPA2-Enterprise, raise the bar on network security, and simplify and streamline user authentication. Contact us today, and let our team of experts direct you toward streamlined, reliable solutions.
