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Managed Services - Wireless LANs: The Hidden Ransomware Risk Businesses Can’t Ignore DSI Tech Highlights Emerging Threats and Strategic Defenses in Enterprise Wireless Networks [City, State] — Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have become fundamental to how modern organizations operate, providing the mobility and connectivity essential for business, education, and public services. However, this same convenience introduces significant security risks. Increasingly, cybercriminals are exploiting WLANs as a launchpad for credential theft, lateral movement, and ransomware deployment. DSI Tech, a national leader in managed IT services and network security, warns that wireless networks represent one of the most under protected layers in many organizations’ cybersecurity posture—especially as devices proliferate and remote access becomes standard. The Emerging Threat: WLAN as a Ransomware Vector Unlike wired networks, WLANs transmit data over the air, making them more accessible to malicious actors within physical range. Attackers are leveraging this openness to intercept traffic, impersonate legitimate access points, and deploy malicious payloads undetected. These attacks are not theoretical. Increasingly, WLAN vulnerabilities are exploited as the first step in ransomware campaigns, allowing attackers to infiltrate systems, harvest credentials, and lock down data infrastructure. Common WLAN Attack Techniques

Evil Twin and Rogue Access Points Cybercriminals often set up malicious Wi-Fi access points with identical SSIDs as trusted networks. Unsuspecting users connect, unknowingly granting attackers the ability to intercept credentials and session data—often leading to ransomware deployment on internal systems.

Phishing Portals over Wi-Fi Fake captive portals mimic legitimate Wi-Fi login pages and prompt users to input corporate credentials or multifactor authentication codes. These credentials are then used to access corporate VPNs or cloud applications.

KRACK and Legacy Device Exploits The KRACK vulnerability in WPA2 still poses a threat to legacy and IoT devices that have not been patched. Attackers can intercept encrypted sessions and insert malware.

Dictionary Attacks on WPA2 WPA2-Personal networks are susceptible to brute-force attacks. Once a password is cracked, attackers can capture and decrypt wireless traffic—an essential step in broader reconnaissance and compromise strategies.

DSI Tech’s Multi-Layered Wireless Defense Strategy As part of its managed services portfolio, DSI Tech helps public sector and enterprise clients safeguard their wireless infrastructure using a defense-in-depth approach:

Strong Encryption and Authentication  Enforce WPA3 encryption across all WLANs  Use EAP-TLS and 802.1X for certificate-based authentication  Eliminate the use of open or WEP networks

Network Segmentation  Separate corporate, guest, and IoT networks using VLANs and firewall rules  Restrict cross-network access and lateral movement  Implement role-based access controls

Wireless Intrusion Detection and Monitoring  Deploy WIDS/WIPS tools to detect rogue devices  Leverage platforms such as Cisco DNA Center and Aruba Central  Extend WIPS capabilities using purpose-built hardware sensors

End-User Security Awareness  Train users to recognize fake login pages and suspicious portals  Reinforce safe browsing habits and MFA usage  Promote policies against using corporate credentials on unsecured networks

Endpoint and Network Visibility  Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools  Implement Network Access Control (NAC) to assess device posture  Employ SIEM systems to monitor for unusual wireless activity

Zero Trust Framework  Continuously verify users, devices, and locations  Micro-segment wireless traffic for isolation and containment

 Treat all network connections as untrusted by default Preparing for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 As enterprises migrate to Wi-Fi 6E and eventually Wi-Fi 7, operating in the 6GHz band, new security challenges arise. These include:  Greater difficulty in detecting rogue access points  Faster data exfiltration due to higher throughput  Emerging vulnerabilities within untested features and protocols To mitigate these risks, DSI Tech emphasizes the importance of firmware currency, real-time monitoring, and coordinated incident response. Conclusion: Securing the Wireless Edge As ransomware tactics grow more sophisticated, protecting the wireless edge is no longer optional—it’s essential. WLANs must be treated as a critical component of cybersecurity strategy, not just a utility. Organizations that adopt strong encryption, enforce policy controls, educate users, and deploy proactive monitoring can significantly reduce their attack surface. In today’s cybersecurity landscape, true protection goes beyond perimeter defense. Every access point, every user session, and every packet over the air must be secured. With the right approach, organizations can embrace wireless innovation without compromising resilience.

For more information about DISYS Solutions, Inc., visit dsitech.com or follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

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