Is there a hidden danger in your office in the form of rogue access points? If you’re serious about network security, understanding and defending against them should be on your to-do list.

What is a rogue access point?

A rogue access point (AP) is any wireless device, usually a router or AP, that’s connected to your network without authorisation Sometimes it’s malicious, planted by an attacker. Although sometimes, it’s unintentional: an employee installs a cheap router believing they are doing a good deed to get “better Wi-Fi”, without realising they’ve just opened a backdoor to your internal systems.

Even a benign-looking rogue AP can:

• Bypass corporate security policies
• Provide open or weakly secured entry points to your network
• Allow unauthorised users to monitor or intercept traffic

The “Evil Twin” variant

Some rogue APs are spoofs designed to mimic your official network. These so-called evil twins trick users into connecting, allowing attackers to capture login credentials, emails, and other sensitive data in transit.

Why are rogue access points dangerous?

A rogue AP is like a hole in your firewall and no one knows it’s there. Here’s why they’re serious trouble:

• Data Interception: Without proper encryption, attackers can eavesdrop on traffic.
• Credential Theft: Fake APs can intercept usernames, passwords, or session cookies.
• Network Infection: Compromised APs can be used to launch malware or ransomware attacks inside your perimeter.
• Compliance Violations: In regulated industries, rogue APs can trigger audits or penalties for failing to secure sensitive data.

How to detect and prevent rogue access points:

The good news is there are ways to prevent rogue APs causing you trouble:

1. Use Enterprise Wireless Infrastructure: Enterprise systems can detect rogue APs and alert you automatically.
2. Regular Wireless Audits: Use Wi-Fi scanning tools to inventory all nearby SSIDs and compare them to your authorised list.
3. Physical Inspections: Sometimes it’s as simple as finding a router plugged into a port under someone’s desk.
4. Segment your Network: Use VLANs and firewall rules to limit the damage any rogue device can do.
5. Educate Employees: Many rogue APs are accidental. Make it clear that plugging in unauthorised hardware is a security risk and not a clever workaround.

Rogue access points aren’t theoretical, they can be a real threat hiding in plain sight. But with the right tools, policies, and vigilance, they’re entirely preventable.