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Security is a factor that needs to be a top priority for any network deployer today. As well as ensuring the network infrastructure itself is physically secure, the risk of hackers looking to break into networks wirelessly is on the rise.
As the number of wireless devices grows - from smartphones and laptops to Internet of Things (IoT) sensors - traditional Wi-Fi networks are increasingly seen as a vulnerable point of entry for malicious actors, from poorly-secured devices to man-in-the-middle attacks.
Therefore, it will be especially important for network deployers working in highly-sensitive environments, from the finance sector to healthcare and military applications, to look at alternative solutions that can keep an organisation's most private data safe.
The growing worries about wireless security
According to the 2018 Customer and Product Experience study from iQor, the rise of IoT gadgets has greatly increased concerns among consumers about wireless security, with 70 per cent of respondents expressing worries about hackers gaining access to their networks through unsecured connected gadgets.
This should not only be a concern for home users. Many businesses are increasingly relying on smart devices for everything from climate control to product monitoring, and there are few clear guidelines on how to effectively secure this equipment.
Indeed, the security credentials of smart devices have become a top priority for the government, which earlier this year set out a series of steps aimed at ensuring manufacturers are factoring these issues into their designs. Its proposed code of practice sets out several rules, such as improving password security and requiring manufacturers to inform users how long their gadgets will receive security patches.
However, even if device security does improve, there will always be concerns that unauthorised actors could break into these ubiquitous wireless networks. Therefore, for deployments where security is a top concern, another solution may be required - and this is where Li-Fi comes in.
How Li-Fi can offer a more secure solution
Li-Fi technology offers a much more secure solution for protecting wireless networks, and can be deployed both in home environments and enterprise buildings like offices and warehouses.
One of the key benefits of this technology is the fact it requires a clear line of sight in order to function. This sets it apart from Wi-Fi, where malicious users on the other side of a wall separating a secure area, or even one outside a building, may be able to access a poorly-secured Wi-Fi network.
With a Li-Fi solution, deployers have much greater control over the reach of their network, restricting coverage to within sensitive areas without having to worry that external users and passers-by will be able to boost the signal.
Another use of Li-Fi could be to create a so-called 'light safe', where private Li-Fi-based networks that are not connected to the internet can be used to access confidential data in authorised locations. A Li-Fi connection could be added to any light, which could only be accessed from within the room by someone with knowledge that the data is there.
Boosting physical security monitoring
But it is not just about defending your wireless network against external intruders. An in-building Li-Fi network could also be used to prevent people from accessing sensitive networks even if they have managed to secure access to restricted locations.
This is because each light used as part of a Li-Fi network can be given its own unique identifier based on where it is. This can be used as part of a geo-fencing or asset tracking system to identify exactly where a user is located by which light they are connected to. If a user connects in a location they should not have access to - such as a restricted server room - security alerts can be triggered automatically.
Therefore, Li-Fi could present a valuable alternative to Wi-Fi for tightly-controlled locations, protecting businesses from both internal and external threats to their wireless network.
