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Rogue Access Points

5 minutes 5 Questions

Rogue Access Points are unauthorized wireless access points or routers added to a network without the knowledge or consent of the network administrator. These rogue access points create an easily exploitable entry point into a wireless network, allowing attackers to intercept traffic, steal sensitive data, or launch other malicious attacks. To protect against rogue access points, organizations should continuously monitor their networks for unauthorized devices, enforce strict security policies, use Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems, segment network access and limit access privileges, and maintain updated firmware on all authorized access points.

Guide to Rogue Access Points in CompTIA Network+

Rogue Access Points are unauthorized wireless access points installed on a network. These devices present a significant security risk because they can bypass many network security protocols and measures.
Importance:
Understanding the concept of rogue access points is crucial because of their potential to compromise network security. They allow unauthorized access to sensitive data and can be used to launch attacks against the network.
How it works:
A rogue access point works by broadcasting its own signal within range of the network it's trying to infiltrate, trying to trick devices into connecting to it. When a device connects to a rogue access point, it grants the rogue access point potential access to sensitive information.
Exam Tips:
When answering questions about Rogue Access Points, remember that they are inherently risky and unauthorized. They bypass security features and protocol, potentially giving hackers access to sensitive information. Questions may focus on identification, mitigation and the security risks posed by these devices. Remember to illustrate your understanding about how they can be used in cyber-attacks and the importance of regular network scanning to detect and remove them.

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CompTIA Network+ - Wireless Security Example Questions

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Question 1

A network administrator detects unexpected Wi-Fi signals near the company's network equipment. What should they do to identify whether this is a rogue access point?

Correct Answer: Physically check the network equipment area for unauthorized devices.

In the case of unauthorized or unexpected Wi-Fi signals near company's network equipment, the most direct and reliable way to determine if this is a rogue access point is to physically check the network equipment area for unauthorized devices. This allows the network administrator to spot any strange device connected to the network physically. Assuming it's coming from a neighboring building and ignoring the signals (second answer) is not a good practice as it potentially overlooks potential security threats. While asking employees if they brought personal Wi-Fi devices to work (third answer) might yield some information, it's not always reliable since employees might not be aware or forthcoming about their devices. Finally, turning off the company's Wi-Fi network to see if the signal disappears (fourth answer) only identifies whether the signal is coming from the company's network or not, but doesn't necessarily pinpoint a rogue device.

Question 2

An employee receives an email stating that their network team has set up a new Wi-Fi network for guests. What should the employee do before connecting to the guest Wi-Fi?

Correct Answer: Verify the authenticity of the email and guest network with the network team.

The correct action would be to verify the authenticity of the email and guest network with the network team. This ensures that the new network is indeed legitimate and reduces the risks associated with unauthenticated systems. Connecting to the guest network without verification could introduce risks such as malware or unauthorized data access. Similarly, changing their password does not verify the authenticity of the new network even though it might improve their individual security. Lastly, discarding the email could possibly prevent a security risk if the email is not legitimate, however, if it is indeed an official communication, this might lead them to miss out important information.

Question 3

An IT team receives reports of intermittent Wi-Fi connections. They suspect a rogue access point causing interference. How can the team identify the rogue access point?

Correct Answer: Conduct a Wi-Fi site survey using a spectrum analyzer to identify unauthorized signals.

The best way to identify a rogue access point causing interference is to 'Conduct a Wi-Fi site survey using a spectrum analyzer to identify unauthorized signals.' A spectrum analyzer can help locate any unauthorized signals which might be causing the problem. This is because it directly deals with identifying any extraneous signals, which is what rogue access points are suspected to be in this scenario. As for the other options: 'Ask employees to disconnect from Wi-Fi and report any changes in performance.' While this might identify if performance improves without user load, this will not help to find the rogue access point. 'Increase Wi-Fi signal strength on the company's access points.' Increasing signal strength might drown out the rogue signal but it won’t help in locating the rogue access point itself. Lastly, 'Change the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.' - changing the SSID and password will, again, not help in locating the rogue access point and only further disrupt legitimate network usage.

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