With the prevalence of technology, it is now more important that assistance is required in ensuring that a person’s business or home network is void of foreign devices. Apart from viruses and malware which can seep into secure networks, even relatives’ and guests’ innocently entering the office premises will do enough to endanger the network security. Here is a tutorial on how to detect unauthorized devices on a network and ultimately how to prevent unauthorized access.

Why are Unauthorized Devices a Security Risk?

There are many disadvantages that can be experienced as a result of unauthorized devices on a network which include the following;

• Data BCCN and loss redistribution
• Reduction in network speed due to the amount of bandwidth that is being used is very high
• Infected devices spreading malware or ransomware
• Unwanted users who have full access to the working applications of the business

Monitoring of the network and taking actions when necessary are ways of protecting the network.

How to detect unauthorized devices in the network

The following are the best ways for the detection of rogue devices;

1. Use of the Device Router Admin Panel

It is noted that most of the routers have an administrator access where each and every connected device can be seen. Hence it is advised that access your router and check whether there are any unwanted devices connected to your network.

2. Use of Network Scanners

Tools such as Advanced IP scanner or even Angry IP Scanner and lastly Fing are all perfect examples of tools that search the network to detect any unknown devices.

3. Examining MAC addresses

To find the device that is unrecognized on the network, compare it’s MAC address with those stored in the MAC address table

4. Set up notification for new devices

Another feature offered by most routers and firewalls used in enterprises is alerting when a new device joins the network.

5. Intrusion Detection System (IDS) usage

Applications such as snort or usse are ideal and can effectively be used for detection of unauthorized activities over the network.

Mitigations to Prevent Unauthorized Users from Connecting

1. Employ Robust Wi-Fi Protection

• Turn on WPA3 or WPA2 security over the wireless network.
• Periodically reset the wireless network’s password.
• Turn off Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to avoid brute-force attacks.

2. Introduce MAC Address Filter

MAC address filtering should be done on the router to only allow approved devices.

3. Deploy a Guest Network

Enables guests and users who need temporary access to the system to be kept in a separate network and not access any internal resources.

4. Activate Traffic Enforcement Technologies (Token Tickets or NAC systems)

NAC platforms such as Cisco and Aruba’s Clear Pass protect and eliminate unauthorized devices which do not comply with the set security policies.

5. Consider Firewalls And Active Use Of VPNs

NGFW aids in preventing rogue traffic, on the other hand, VPN guarantees the propriety of communication by encrypting data.

6. Daily Review of Network Traffic

Powerful SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tool such as Splunk or Solar Winds enables efficient and effective tracking of logs and relevant data to that of a particular organization in real time.

Conclusion

The presence of unauthorized devices in a network must be controlled to enhance data protection. It is important to combine the use of solid authentication, tracking the actions of the users on a network, and employing advanced security systems in the fight against unauthorized access.