Securing your business Wi-Fi network is crucial to protect sensitive data, prevent unauthorised access, and stay compliant with modern cybersecurity standards. Many organisations still rely on outdated Wi-Fi security protocols that leave them vulnerable to cyber threats. Upgrading to WPA3-Enterprise provides stronger encryption, individual user authentication, and better protection against attacks, making it the recommended choice for modern businesses.
Wi-Fi Security Basics: WPA-Personal vs WPA-Enterprise
There are two primary methods for securing a Wi-Fi network: WPA-Personal and WPA-Enterprise.
WPA-Personal (PSK)
WPA-Personal, often called PSK (Pre-Shared Key), is the most common type of Wi-Fi security used in homes and small offices. It involves setting a shared password (key) for all users to connect to the network. While simple to set up, it has several security limitations:
Shared Key Vulnerability: All users share the same password, increasing the risk if it is leaked (or when a staff member leaves).
Device Storage: The password is stored on all connected devices, making it easier for departing staff to retain access.
Manual Password Changes: When the password needs changing, all devices must be updated manually, causing administrative challenges.
WPA-Enterprise (802.1X/RADIUS)
WPA-Enterprise, also known as 802.1X or RADIUS-based authentication, offers a more secure approach suited for business environments. Each user has unique credentials (username and password) to access the network. Key features include:
Individual Authentication: Every user is assigned a unique login, improving access control.
Automatic Encryption Key Generation: A dynamic encryption key is generated for each session, enhancing security.
Scalability: WPA-Enterprise integrates with identity services like Active Directory or Azure AD for easier management.
Why WPA3-Enterprise Is the Modern Standard
WPA3-Enterprise is the latest standard for securing business Wi-Fi networks, offering significant improvements over WPA2. Key enhancements include:
Setting up WPA3-Enterprise involves a few additional steps compared to WPA-Personal but delivers far superior security benefits. This process typically includes deploying a RADIUS server (such as NPS on Windows Server or a cloud-hosted solution), integrating it with an identity management system like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) or Active Directory.
You will also need to ensure your business-grade access points support WPA3-Enterprise and have the latest firmware (this may require a network upgrade, especially for older equipment).
If your business wants to secure its wireless network, your in-house IT resource may be able to configure it, or you can ask your managed service provider (MSP) / IT company.
When employees leave the company, they may remember the wireless key, or the PSK may be saved on their device – allowing continued access to the network even after they depart the company (from outside the office)
Benefits of WPA3-Enterprise for Businesses
Apart from the obvious enhancements to IT security, there are some immediate benefits:
Starters and Leavers. When an individual leaves the organisation, wireless network access can be terminated immediately. With a PSK, the key would need to be changed and then reconfigured on every user device – which is a significant administrative overhead in any organisation (so in most cases, this doesn’t happen!).
Accountability and auditing. Individual logins mean you benefit from network access logs and traceability. Logging will tell you who accessed the WiFI network, when and what network resources (i.e. endpoints) they accessed when on the network. While this is possible in a crude manner with WPA-Personal (i.e. MAC addresses), it is not as seamless.
Authorisation. Authentication secures access to the network, while Authorisation determines what can happen once they have accessed the network. Examples could include what they can access, time of day access, etc. There is some overlap between the two, but authorisation controls provide a greater control level throughout the time people are connected.
Convenience and SSO (Single sign-on). SSO makes network access seamless and familiar to users. Users can use their same Windows credentials to access the WiFi network with ease. Granted, you need to ensure your business has a robust password policy.
Does Your Equipment Support WPA3-Enterprise?
Most modern business-class Wi-Fi equipment supports WPA3-Enterprise. When choosing devices, look for compatibility with standards such as WPA3-Enterprise or 802.1X authentication.
What Else to Consider: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7, Fast Roaming, and WIDS
When upgrading your Wi-Fi security, consider modern technologies beyond just encryption protocols.
Wi-Fi 6 & Wi-Fi 7: These newer standards offer faster speeds, improved device capacity, and better performance in high-traffic environments.
Fast Roaming: Ensures seamless connectivity for mobile users moving across multiple access points without dropping connections.
WIDS (Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems): Monitors your wireless network for suspicious activity and potential threats, adding an extra layer of security.
Intune: Microsoft Intune allows businesses to push wireless profiles automatically to managed devices. This simplifies network access by pre-configuring devices with the necessary Wi-Fi credentials, eliminating the need for manual input. Intune can also enforce security policies, ensuring only authorised devices connect to your WPA3-Enterprise network.
Need Help Securing Your Network?
We specialise in securing business networks using enterprise-grade solutions from Fortinet, Aruba, and TP-Link Omada. Our team can help you design, deploy, and maintain a secure wireless network tailored to your business needs.
