Secure Wi-Fi Essentials Interview Questions

Well, preparing for the exam interview is as important as preparing for the exam because it is the last step towards achieving what you want. Talking about the Secure Wi-Fi Essentials exam interview, you must know that you require technical expertise in the field and the confidence and ability to portray the answers well. Hence, we have brought for you the set of frequent and the best possible Secure Wi-Fi Essentials interview questions and answers that will help you understand the way of answering the questions and prepare well for the interview.

So, let’s look at the top Secure Wi-Fi Essentials Interview Questions now.

Advanced Interview Questions

What are the main security threats associated with Wi-Fi networks?

Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to several security threats, including:

Man-in-the-middle attacks: This type of attack occurs when an attacker intercepts communications between a device and a Wi-Fi network, allowing them to steal sensitive information or inject malware.
Rogue access points: Attackers can create fake Wi-Fi access points, which can be used to steal login credentials or redirect traffic to malicious websites.
Unsecured networks: Unsecured networks, such as those with weak encryption or no encryption at all, are vulnerable to attacks from hackers who can easily intercept and steal sensitive information.
Unauthorized access: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to a Wi-Fi network by guessing or cracking login credentials.
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks: This type of attack is intended to overload and crash a network, making it unavailable to legitimate users.
Phishing: Cybercriminals can use Wi-Fi networks to send phishing emails that look like legitimate emails, tricking users into giving away sensitive information.
Malware: Wi-Fi networks can be used to spread malware, including viruses, trojans, and ransomware, which can damage or steal sensitive information.

To protect against these threats, it’s important to use a strong encryption method, such as WPA2, and to regularly update your router’s firmware, change login credentials and monitor network activity.

How can you secure a Wi-Fi network using encryption and authentication methods?

There are several encryption and authentication methods that can be used to secure a Wi-Fi network:

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is a widely used encryption and authentication method that uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm to encrypt data and the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to ensure the integrity of the encryption key. It also uses a unique key for each wireless client, which is generated dynamically and changes regularly to prevent unauthorized access.
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest security protocol for Wi-Fi networks that provides stronger encryption and improved security features. It uses the Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) protocol for authentication, which is resistant to offline dictionary attacks, and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm for encryption.
WPA-Enterprise (Wi-Fi Protected Access Enterprise) is an authentication method that uses a server to authenticate wireless clients. It is commonly used in corporate environments and uses the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate clients and the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) or AES for encryption.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a method that allows wireless clients to securely connect to a private network over a public network such as the Internet. VPNs use encryption to protect data and authenticate clients and can be used to secure a Wi-Fi network in a public location.
802.1X is an IEEE standard for port-based network access control that allows the network to authenticate wireless clients before they are granted access to the network. It uses the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate clients and can be used in conjunction with encryption methods such as WPA2 or WPA3.

In summary, securing a Wi-Fi network using encryption and authentication methods involves using a combination of security protocols such as WPA2, WPA3, WPA-Enterprise and VPN, and technologies such as AES, TKIP, and EAP that encrypt and authenticate data and clients connecting to the network.

What is WPA3 and how does it differ from previous versions of Wi-Fi security protocols?

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest security protocol for Wi-Fi networks that provides stronger encryption and improved security features. It is designed to replace the older WPA2 protocol and address some of the security vulnerabilities found in WPA2. WPA3 uses the Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) protocol for authentication, which is resistant to offline dictionary attacks, and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm for encryption. SAE uses a technique called “forward secrecy” which ensures that even if a hacker intercepts a handshake between a client and an access point, they will not be able to decrypt the data.

WPA3 also includes a feature called “individualized data encryption” which ensures that each client on a network has a unique encryption key, preventing unauthorized users from accessing the network even if they have the password. WPA3 also includes a new protocol called “Easy Connect” which allows easy onboarding of devices such as IoT devices that don’t have a display or keyboard. WPA2, on the other hand, uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) for authentication and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm for encryption. While WPA2 is still considered a secure protocol, it has been proven to be vulnerable to certain types of attacks such as the Krack Attack.

In summary, WPA3 provides stronger encryption and better security features than WPA2, making it more resistant to hacking attacks and providing better protection for wireless networks and devices.

How can you prevent unauthorized access to a Wi-Fi network using a firewall or a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

To prevent unauthorized access to a Wi-Fi network, one can use a firewall or a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A firewall can be used to restrict access to the network by only allowing connections from specific IP addresses or devices. Additionally, a firewall can be configured to block certain types of traffic, such as incoming connections from the internet.

A VPN can be used to encrypt all traffic between the device and the network, making it much more difficult for an unauthorized person to intercept and read the data. Additionally, a VPN can be used to allow remote workers to securely connect to the network from anywhere. Both Firewalls and VPNs can be used together to provide an additional layer of security for a Wi-Fi network.

To prevent unauthorized access to a Wi-Fi network using a firewall, you can configure the firewall to only allow connections from authorized devices or IP addresses.
Additionally, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt all data transmitted over the Wi-Fi network, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to access the network or intercept any sensitive information.
Another way to prevent unauthorized access to the Wi-Fi network is to enable WPA2-AES or WPA3 encryption, which provides a high level of security for the wireless network.
Further, you can use a network access control (NAC) system, which can help enforce security policies and ensure that only authorized devices are able to connect to the network.
You can also use Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) which is a wireless security solution that helps detect and prevent wireless threats, such as unauthorized access points, rogue wireless devices, and wireless attacks.

What is the role of a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) in securing a Wi-Fi network?

A wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) is a security solution designed to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and malicious activities. The main role of a WIPS is to monitor and detect any wireless threats in real time, including rogue access points, man-in-the-middle attacks, and wireless denial of service (DoS) attacks.

Some key functions of a WIPS include:

Continuous monitoring: WIPS constantly scans the wireless environment to detect and identify any unauthorized devices or rogue access points that may be attempting to connect to the network.
Intrusion detection and prevention: WIPS can detect and prevent known wireless attacks, such as wireless DoS and man-in-the-middle attacks, by identifying and blocking malicious traffic.
Compliance enforcement: WIPS can be configured to ensure that wireless devices on the network comply with the organization’s security policies and regulatory requirements.
Location tracking: WIPS can track and locate wireless devices on the network, which can be useful for identifying the source of an attack or for locating lost or stolen devices.

Overall, a WIPS plays a critical role in securing a Wi-Fi network by providing real-time monitoring and protection against wireless threats, ensuring compliance, and providing location tracking capabilities.

How can you secure a Wi-Fi network in a public location such as a coffee shop or airport?

Securing a Wi-Fi network in a public location such as a coffee shop or airport can be challenging, but there are several steps that can be taken to help protect the network and the devices connected to it. Here are a few methods that can be used to secure a Wi-Fi network in a public location:

Use a strong encryption protocol: Use a strong encryption protocol such as WPA3 or WPA2 to encrypt data transmitted over the network. This makes it more difficult for hackers to intercept and decrypt the data.
Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between a device and the internet, protecting data from being intercepted by hackers. This can be used to secure a Wi-Fi network in a public location.
Use a Firewall: Implementing a firewall on the network can help to prevent unauthorized access and provide an additional layer of security.
Use a separate network for guests: It is recommended to use a separate network for guests with a different SSID and password. This prevents guests from accessing sensitive data on the primary network.
Disable Remote Management: Disable any remote management options on the router or access point to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
Use a strong password: Use a strong, unique password for the network to prevent unauthorized access.
Use WPA3-Enterprise: This protocol uses a server to authenticate wireless clients, which is more secure than WPA2-Personal.
Keep software updated: Keep the firmware and software of the router and other network devices updated to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
Monitor the network: Regularly monitor the network for suspicious activity and take action to prevent any unauthorized access.

In summary, securing a Wi-Fi network in a public location involves using a combination of security measures such as strong encryption, VPN, firewall, separate network for guests, disabling remote management, using a strong password, using WPA3-Enterprise, and keeping the software updated. Also, regular monitoring of the network can help to detect and prevent unauthorized access.

How can you secure a Wi-Fi network in a corporate environment?

Securing a Wi-Fi network in a corporate environment is critical to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Here are a few methods that can be used to secure a Wi-Fi network in a corporate environment:

Use a strong encryption protocol: Use a strong encryption protocol such as WPA3 or WPA2 to encrypt data transmitted over the network. This makes it more difficult for hackers to intercept and decrypt the data.
Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between a device and the internet, protecting data from being intercepted by hackers. This can be used to secure a Wi-Fi network in a corporate environment.
Use a Firewall: Implementing a firewall on the network can help to prevent unauthorized access and provide an additional layer of security.
Use a separate network for guests: It is recommended to use a separate network for guests with a different SSID and password. This prevents guests from accessing sensitive data on the primary network.
Disable Remote Management: Disable any remote management options on the router or access point to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
Use a strong password: Use a strong, unique password for the network to prevent unauthorized access.
Use WPA3-Enterprise: This protocol uses a server to authenticate wireless clients, which is more secure than WPA2-Personal.
Use an Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS): An IDPS monitors the network for any suspicious activity and takes action to prevent any unauthorized access.
Use Network Access Control (NAC): NAC is a security solution that ensures that only authorized devices and users can access the network.
Keep software updated: Keep the firmware and software of the router and other network devices updated to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
Monitor the network: Regularly monitor the network for suspicious activity and take action to prevent any unauthorized access.
Implement policies and procedures: Implement policies and procedures for wireless network access and management, including best practices for password management, network security, incident response, and compliance.

In summary, securing a Wi-Fi network in a corporate environment involves using a combination of security measures such as strong encryption, VPN, firewall, separate network for guests, disabling remote management, using a strong password, using WPA3-Enterprise, using an IDPS, using NAC, keeping the software updated, regular monitoring of the network and implementing policies and procedures for wireless network access and management.

How can you secure Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets?

There are several ways to secure Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets:

Use a strong password: When setting up a Wi-Fi network, use a strong password that is difficult to guess. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name or address.
Keep your device and software up to date: Regularly update your device’s operating system and all installed apps to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all data transmitted over the Wi-Fi network, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to access the network or intercept any sensitive information.
Use two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your device by requiring a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or passcode, in addition to a password.
Use a security app: Some devices come with built-in security features, while others may require the use of a third-party security app. These apps can help secure your device by detecting and blocking malicious software, controlling access to the device, and remotely locating or wiping the device if it’s lost or stolen.
Be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks when handling sensitive information, and use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi to encrypt your data.
Be aware of phishing attempts: Be wary of unexpected or suspicious text messages or emails, and never click on links or enter personal information on a website if you’re not sure that it’s legitimate.

Can you explain the difference between WPA and WPA2?

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 are two different security protocols used to protect wireless networks. Both protocols are designed to provide stronger security for wireless networks than the previous WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) protocol.

The main difference between WPA and WPA2 is the level of security they provide. WPA is considered to be a stronger and more secure protocol than WPA2.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access):

WPA was developed as an intermediate solution to address the security weaknesses of the WEP protocol.
WPA uses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to encrypt data transmitted over the wireless network.
TKIP uses a dynamic key that changes with each packet, making it more difficult for an attacker to crack the encryption.
WPA is designed to be backward-compatible with older wireless hardware that does not support WPA2.

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II):

WPA2 is the successor to WPA and is considered to be the most secure wireless encryption protocol currently available.
WPA2 uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) to encrypt data transmitted over the wireless network.
AES is a stronger encryption algorithm than TKIP and is considered to be virtually unbreakable.
WPA2 also includes additional security features such as a stronger key management protocol and support for the EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) standard.

In summary, WPA2 is a more secure and advanced protocol than WPA. It uses AES encryption which is considered to be virtually unbreakable and includes additional security features. However, some older wireless devices may not support WPA2, and in that case, WPA can be used as an alternative.

How can you prevent man-in-the-middle attacks on Wi-Fi networks?

Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks on Wi-Fi networks can be prevented by implementing several security measures:

Use encryption: Use WPA2-AES or WPA3 encryption to secure the Wi-Fi network. This will encrypt all data transmitted over the network, making it much more difficult for an attacker to intercept and read the data.
Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all data transmitted over the Wi-Fi network, making it much more difficult for an attacker to intercept and read the data.
Use a strong password: When setting up a Wi-Fi network, use a strong password that is difficult to guess. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name or address.
Use two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to the network by requiring a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or passcode, in addition to a password.
Use a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS): This can help detect and prevent wireless threats, such as unauthorized access points, rogue wireless devices, and wireless attacks.
Use a Firewall: Configure the firewall to only allow connections from authorized devices or IP addresses.
Be Careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks when handling sensitive information, and use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi to encrypt your data.
Be aware of phishing attempts: Be wary of unexpected or suspicious text messages or emails, and never click on links or enter personal information on a website if you’re not sure that it’s legitimate.

By implementing these security measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of a MitM attack on your Wi-Fi network.

Basic Interview Questions

Q1. What is the use of DFS channels?

DFS channels are useful with 802.11ac and an 80MHz channel width because of the availability of an extra spectrum. However, using these channels can result in the APs being slow to connect to the wireless network.

Q2. Define transmit power.

We can optionally set the maximum transmit power in order to limit or expand the transmission distance of our wireless signals. Moreover, we can set the transmit power between 3dBm to 20dBm, or set the value to Auto. Though the transmit power cannot exceed the regulatory limits set by a region.

Q3. What do you mean by fragmentation threshold?

Fireware lets us set the maximum frame size, the wireless Firebox can send but not fragment the frame. This is known as the fragmentation threshold. This setting rarely gets changed. The default setting is the maximum frame size of 2346, which implies that it will never fragment any frames that it sends to wireless clients.

Q4. What is the purpose of Gateway Wireless Controller?

Gateway Wireless Controller is useful for monitoring the connection status and activity on WatchGuard APs, comprising of the license and AP, feature key status. Additionally, we can also monitor as well as manage the client connections with WatchGuard APs.

Q5. What is included in the summary section?

Well, the summary section consists of the basic connection information for APs and the clients connected to those APs. The details available in the summary section is different in Fireware Web UI than in the Firebox System Manager.

Q6. What are firmware updates?

Gateway Wireless Controller has the versions of firmware available for all AP models. One can also download the new versions of the firmware for each of the AP models to Firebox and upgrade the firmware version on each of the APs.

Q7. Why do we use traffic management?

Traffic Management policy is used for wireless networks. This feature allows us to control the amount of bandwidth used by wireless guest networks in order to prevent the wireless guest clients from using too many resources.

Q8. What does VLAN stand for?

VLAN stands for virtual local area network. This is a collection of computers on a LAN grouped together in a single broadcast domain and independent of the physical location. This allows the grouping of devices according to traffic patterns, instead of physical proximity. Moreover, members of a VLAN may share resources as if they are connected to the same LAN. We can also use VLANs so as to split a switch into multiple segments.

Q9. What is the use of STP?

STP stands for Spanning Tree Protocol that is enabled to avoid loops. This network protocol is designed for avoiding loops on networks configured with redundant links.

Q10. What do you mean by root bridges?

A root bridge switch is at the bottom of the tree. Basically, the root bridge manages redundant links in order to make sure that there is only one active path to each location on your network. If there exists, more than one path to a location, the Spanning Tree Algorithm calculates the best path and then blocks the redundant links so that they cannot forward packets. Hence, this prevents loops on the network.

Q11. What are the wireless security subscriptions offered by WatchGuard?

WatchGuard offers the following wireless security subscriptions for WatchGuard APs:

Basic Wi-Fi
Total Wi-Fi
Secure Wi-Fi

Q12. What is CIP?

CIP stands for Cloud Integration Point which is a technology that enables the integration of WatchGuard Wi-Fi Cloud with on-premise wireless controllers and event log management services.

Q13. What are some event log management services?

Aruba Mobility Controller
HP Multi-Service Mobility Controller
Syslog server
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller
ArcSight Enterprise Security Management

Q14. Define smart steering.

Smart steering proactively steers clients to an AP with a better signal than their current AP. Also, this prevents the clients from staying connected to their current AP when the signal degrades as the client roams.

Q15. What is SSID?

The SSID of a Wi-Fi network is the technical term for network’s name.

Q16. Which functional areas does Discover interface include?

The Discover interface includes the following areas:

Dashboard
Monitor
Configure
Troubleshoot
Floor Plans
Reports
System

Q17. What is the color coding for AP classifications?

Authorized APs: Green
External Neighbor APs: Blue
Misconfigured APs: Orange
Guest APs: Light Green
Rogue APs: Red
Uncategorized: White

Q18. Define wireless security.

Wireless security is basically the prevention of any unauthorized access or damage to the data or computers with the use of wireless networks, which include Wi-Fi networks.

Q19. Mention the levels of IPS threats.

Firstly, Critical
Secondly, High
Then, Medium
Subsequently, Low
Lastly, Information

Q20. What is a captive portal?

A captive portal is a web page where the client is redirected after connecting to a guest’s SSID. The client can get access to the internet after successfully authenticating or accepting the terms of use on the portal page. Hence, this enables the restriction of wireless connectivity for guest wireless clients.

Q21. Name the types of wireless adapters.

The different types of wireless adapters are:

PCI Adapter
Wireless USB Adapter
Mini PCI Adapter
PCMCIA Adapter

Q22. What do you mean by a band?

Well, a radio communications signal occupies a range of frequencies that carry most of its energy, known as its bandwidth. Henceforth, a frequency band represents one communication channel or is subdivided into many.

Q23. What does wireless LAN refer to?

Wireless LAN that is Wireless Local Area Network is a term that refers to a Local Area Network that doesn’t require any cables to connect various devices. Instead, radio waves are used for communication.

Q24. Mention the important components of a wireless network.

The important components of a wireless network are:

wireless access points.
network interface cards or the client adaptors.

Q25. What are the types of wireless networks?

The basic types of wireless networks are:

Q26. What does WatchGuard Firebox do?

Well, the WatchGuard Firebox helps to connect to a high-speed internet connection, like a cable modem, Digital Subscriber Line, or ISDN router, or fiber. Moreover, we can use Fireware Web UI to safely manage our network security settings from various locations at any point in time.

Q27. What does the backup image in Firebox include?

The backup images in Firebox is inclusive of the configuration file, passphrases, certificates, feature key, and other informative details that are unique to someone’s Firebox.

Q28. What are the scan modes of IPS?

The scan modes of IPS are:

Full Scan: Scan all the packets for policies that have enabled IPS.
Fast Scan: Scan fewer packets within each connection in order to enhance the performance.

Q29. Which is the most common type of wireless security?

Well, the most common type is Wi-Fi security. This is inclusive of the Wired Equivalent Privacy and the Wi-Fi Protected Access.

Q30. What do you mean by WIPS security?

WIPS stands for Wireless Intrusion Prevention System. This term from the Wi-Fi industry refers to the prevention of Wi-Fi threats. Moreover, WatchGuard has taken it to the next level. Its patented technology ensures that we have the real, accurate, and automated Wi-Fi protection required for the business.

Q31. What does an Intrusion Prevention System refer to?

An Intrusion Prevention System is a network security and threat prevention technology that does the examination of network traffic flows so as to detect and prevent vulnerability exploits.

Q32. What is the wireless IDS?

An Intrusion Detection System is a software/hardware tool useful for detecting unauthorized access to a computer system or network. However, a wireless IDS performs this task only for the wireless network. Additionally, this system monitors traffic on the network looking for and logging threats and alerting personnel to give a response.

Q33. What is a rogue access point?

A rogue router is none other than a wireless access point that is installed on a secure network without explicit authorization from a local network administrator, whether it is added by a well-meaning employee or by some kind of malicious attacker.

Q34. Which reports are generated by Discover?

The following reports can be generated by Discover-

Wi-Fi network device inventory
Visibility and association analytics data
Compliance reports
WIPS security

Q35. What is Wireless Vulnerability Assessment?

Wireless Vulnerability Assessment report is the assessment of a network’s wireless security posture. It shows the number as well as the type of wireless devices detected in an environment, and also records the presence of vulnerabilities and the threats posed to the network. Moreover, vulnerabilities are categorized and ranked in the terms of their severity and urgency of response.

Q36. What is the MITS Wireless compliance?

The Management of Information Technology Security is basically an operational security standard that has been generated by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. This standard defines the baseline security needs that the Canadian federal departments need to fulfill in order to ensure the security of information and information technology assets under control.

Q37. What is the use of Secure Wi-Fi?

Secure Wi-Fi is a service that automatically detects when you access a Wi-Fi network, and when is it enabled. This encrypts the data we transmit before it leaves our phone to ensure our privacy as well as protection.

Q38. How can we secure our Wi-Fi connection?

The following methods can help us in securing the Wi-Fi connection:

Changing the default name of home Wi-Fi.
Enabling network encryption.
Making the wireless network passwords unique and strong.
Turning off network name broadcasting.
Using VPNs for accessing network.

Q39. What is the purpose of Wi-Fi cloud?

Wi-Fi Cloud allows us to control the whole wireless network from a single interface. Further, the access points can be grouped in several ways consisting of location, floor, building, and customer so as to maintain consistent policies.

Q40. What is the purpose of Auto VLAN Monitoring?

Auto VLAN Monitoring is useful for automatically monitoring the VLANs added by an SSID or one’s own user-configured VLANs. Moreover, Auto VLAN Monitoring is helpful in deployments where VLANs change or where one does not want to add VLANs explicitly.

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