What is a Rogue Access Point?
Rogue access points (APs) are unauthorized Wi-Fi access points on a network installed without explicit authorization from the network administrator. They are a significant security concern for any organization with a Wi-Fi network. These unauthorized access points can be set up by malicious actors either within the physical premises or remotely. They often mimic legitimate access points to deceive users into connecting to them. Once connected, these rogue access points can intercept data traffic, potentially capturing sensitive data such as login credentials, financial information, or proprietary data. Moreover, they can serve as entry points for further cyberattacks, such as launching man-in-the-middle attacks (MiTM) or spreading malware within the network.
Evil Twin Attacks and Rogue Access Points
In an Evil Twin attack, a hacker creates a rogue access point that mimics a legitimate one by perfectly spoofing its SSID and BSSID (MAC address). To have users connect to it, the rogue access point will send stronger signals than the legitimate access point. They might even shut down the legitimate access point and replace it. Unknowingly connected to the rogue access point, the user’s traffic is now exposed to the adversary. This allows further malicious activity. A hacker can perform interception, traffic manipulation, and Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks to hijack the session and access sensitive data. Evil Twin attacks might even provide the perpetrator with complete control over the entire network.
Detecting and mitigating rogue access points requires a multi-faceted approach, including regular network monitoring, strong authentication mechanisms, and endpoint security solutions. Employee education and awareness training can help prevent users from inadvertently connecting to rogue access points.
Wi-Fi Networks, IoT Devices, and Rogue Access Points
Wi-Fi networks and IoT (Internet of Things) devices are increasingly intertwined. Especially in environments like healthcare, smart homes, industrial settings, and retail spaces. For example, in a hospital scenario, the presence of rogue access points and fake Wi-Fi networks can be especially concerning due to the sensitive nature of the data transmitted over hospital networks. Unsuspecting users then connect to this malicious network, believing it to be the genuine one. Once connected, attackers can intercept sensitive data, such as patient information, medical records, and other confidential data transmitted over the network.
The increasing reliance of healthcare organizations on technology further exacerbates the risk posed by rogue access points. With the proliferation of connected medical devices (IoMT), electronic health records, and telemedicine platforms, there are more entry points for attackers to exploit. Additionally, the vast amount of sensitive data in this sector presents an enticing target for hackers.
Internet-Connected Devices and Wi-Fi Networks
Research by Zingbox found that there is an average of 10-15 connected medical devices per hospital bed (82% of healthcare organizations have experienced a cyberattack). The importance of internet connected devices within the healthcare industry has meant that wireless networks are a fundamental component.
According to Aruba Networks Product Marketing Manager Rick Reid, “In a healthcare setting, the network must be extremely reliable because it’s literally a matter of life or death. Once a hospital moves to that critical communication method, you must make sure it works in the stairwell and in the hallways. You can’t have any dead spots.”
This heavy reliance calls for a very complex, interconnected Wi-Fi infrastructure to ensure access is available everywhere. However, health delivery organizations (HDO) tend to have expansive facilities. Ensuring coverage over the entire area can be a challenge.
Gaps in Coverage and Rogue Access Points
Gaps in coverage create opportunities for rogue access points configured with the same SSID and BSSID as legitimate ones. Appearing genuine, these rogue access points entice users and devices to connect, especially since they often broadcast stronger signals.
Evil Twin attacks rely on rogue access points that mimic legitimate ones and require close proximity to the target system to be effective. Healthcare Delivery Organizations (HDOs) are open to all members of the public, meaning the perpetrator can easily achieve this. Importantly, gaining control over the network is simpler when the network is public. As is the case in many HDOs’ infrastructure. Even with a password restriction, organizations typically display the relevant credentials openly to facilitate easy access for patients and visitors.
How to Protect Against Rogue Access Points
Protecting against rogue access points is crucial for maintaining the security of your IT infrastructure. To address this threat, Sepio offers a robust defense against rogue devices. Specifically, Sepio identifies all devices operating within the enterprise’s environment, including MAC-spoofed devices that would otherwise go undetected. Moreover, its policy enforcement mechanism instantly detects suspicious connections and triggers a mitigation process through integrated Network Access Control products.
Regular security assessments and audits of the IT infrastructure can reveal potential vulnerabilities and areas that need strengthening. Furthermore, employing the Sepio platform enhances detection capabilities and provides real-time alerts when unauthorized access points appear on the network.
Holistic, Objective Truth
Sepio identifies the true source of asset risk by analyzing properties at the physical layer. It generates an objective DNA profile for every known and shadow asset, including rogue access points, regardless of functionality or operability. Our unique approach and patented algorithms ensure Sepio is untainted by misleading profile perceptions or behavioral assumptions. Such assumptions can deceive even the most robust cybersecurity tools and lead to erroneous risk management. With Sepio, your enterprise gains a centralized, holistic, and reliable source of asset visibility.
Actionable Visibility
Seeing your assets is only the first step; however, the real value comes from what you do with that knowledge. Therefore, Sepio instantly highlights what needs attention by automatically generating an Asset Risk Factor (ARF) score for every asset. Additionally, the ARF score uses DNA profiles combined with contextual business, location, and rule-based data. As a result, it prioritizes risks and provides a critical layer of insight for complete asset visibility.
The ARF score categorizes assets as high, medium, or low risk, helping security teams expedite resolutions, identify regulatory gaps, and prevent crises. Sepio continuously monitors the entire asset infrastructure to detect behavioral changes or anomalies that affect an asset’s ARF score. Big data and machine learning, augmented with OSINT data sources, provide up-to-date threat intelligence on known vulnerable assets, further optimizing IT efficiency. This real-time, actionable visibility enables security teams to understand the enterprise attack surface fully and manage risks proactively.
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