How to Protect Your Network from Remote Wi-Fi Attacks with Kaspersky

When we think about securing our networks, wireless connections often seem like a low-risk target for cybercriminals. After all, to access a Wi-Fi network, an attacker would need to be physically close, right? It seems pretty safe to assume that a hacker from the other side of the world wouldn’t be able to just hop on to your corporate Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, this assumption is being challenged by a new tactic that’s gaining traction: the Nearest Neighbor Attack.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how this emerging threat works, why it’s more dangerous than it sounds, and, most importantly, how you can protect your organization from falling victim to it.

What is a “Nearest Neighbor Attack”

We’ve all heard the old assumption that to hack into a Wi-Fi network, an attacker needs to be physically nearby. Well, the Nearest Neighbor Attack throws that idea out the window. In this attack, cybercriminals don’t need to be on-site to break into your Wi-Fi. They just need to compromise a neighboring business that’s within range of your network.

Here’s how it plays out: Attackers will first do some homework on the company they want to target, sometimes even getting hold of leaked employee credentials. They might try to access your external services but hit a wall if you’ve got strong security measures like two-factor authentication in place.

So, what do they do next? Instead of giving up, they look for weaker targets nearby. Often, these are businesses with less robust security—ones that don’t use 2FA or have outdated software that’s easy to exploit. Once they compromise a device on one of these neighboring networks, they gain access to a device with a wireless module. From there, they can scan the Wi-Fi environment, find your SSID, and use the compromised device as a bridge to infiltrate your network.

Once they’re inside, it’s game on—stealing sensitive data, encrypting files, or even monitoring employee activities—all without ever stepping foot in your office. It’s not just a theory; APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) groups have already used this tactic, proving it’s a real and growing risk.

Can I Avoid Them?

So, how do you prevent this from happening to your business? The good news is there are a few steps you can take to bolster your defenses and stop attackers in their tracks.

1. Network Isolation is Key:
   The first step is ensuring your guest Wi-Fi network is completely isolated from your main corporate network. This way, even if an attacker compromises your guest Wi-Fi, they can’t jump to your more sensitive systems.
2. Strengthen Wi-Fi Security:
   Just like you secure your external services, you should apply strong security to your corporate Wi-Fi. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for Wi-Fi access adds a critical layer of protection. It makes it far harder for an attacker to break in, even if they have employee credentials.
3. Embrace the Zero Trust Model:
   Adopting a Zero Trust security model can make a huge difference. With Zero Trust, you verify everyone and every connection, both inside and outside your network. Even internal systems shouldn’t be trusted by default, and 2FA should be used everywhere—internally as well as externally.
4. Stay One Step Ahead with Advanced Threat Detection:
   Proactive threat detection is essential. Kaspersky Next XDR Expert offers cutting-edge tools that help you spot threats early, before they can do any real damage. Real-time monitoring and detection ensure you’re not caught off guard.
5. Consider Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services:
   If your business doesn’t have the resources for a dedicated cybersecurity team, MDR services are a smart move. With 24/7 monitoring and rapid response to threats, you can rest easy knowing experts are keeping an eye on things.

What Kaspersky Offers: Comprehensive Protection Against Advanced Attacks

Now that you know what’s at stake and how to protect your organization, let’s talk about how Kaspersky can help. They offer a range of solutions designed to keep you safe from the very threats we’ve discussed.

1. Kaspersky Next XDR Expert:
   This isn’t your average threat detection tool. Kaspersky Next XDR Expert takes it up a notch with Extended Detection and Response (XDR), which gives you comprehensive protection across all attack vectors. It’s exactly the kind of system you need to stay one step ahead of attackers.
2. Cloud-Native Protection:
   As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, you need solutions that can keep up. Kaspersky’s cloud-native protection is scalable and adaptable, offering robust defenses that evolve as threats change. It’s built to tackle today’s most complex risks, so you don’t have to worry about future threats.
3. Comprehensive Endpoint Protection & EDR Technology:
   With Kaspersky’s Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) technology, every device connected to your network is safeguarded. From laptops to servers, Kaspersky ensures that all your endpoints are continuously monitored and protected from attacks.
4. MDR Services for Your Peace of Mind:
   If you don’t have a full-time cybersecurity team, Kaspersky’s Managed Detection and Response services are exactly what you need. Their team of experts will monitor your systems 24/7 and respond to threats swiftly, giving you the confidence that your network is in safe hands.

Why Choose Kaspersky?

By now, you might be wondering why Kaspersky is the right choice for your business. Here’s why:

• A Proven Track Record: Kaspersky is a global leader in cybersecurity, trusted by businesses of all sizes to protect against the most advanced threats.
• Flexible and Scalable Solutions: Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Kaspersky’s solutions are tailored to meet your needs. They’re scalable, so as your business grows, your security can too.
• Expert Support at Your Fingertips: With Kaspersky, you get more than just software; you get a team of experts who are always available to help protect your organization.
• Constant Innovation: Kaspersky is committed to staying ahead of emerging threats, ensuring that your defenses are always up to date.

Securing your network from the Nearest Neighbor Attack and other advanced threats is no longer optional—it’s essential. With attackers getting more creative and persistent, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your organization.

If you’re ready to step up your security and protect your Wi-Fi network from evolving threats, Kaspersky is here to help. With their advanced solutions, expert support, and cutting-edge technology, you can rest easy knowing your business is well-defended.

So, why wait? Take the first step towards stronger cybersecurity today. Reach out to Kaspersky and find out how they can help keep your network safe and secure.