Cities Hosting Major Events Need More Focus on Wireless, Drone Defense
Major events like the FIFA World Cup need to look beyond traditional physical and cyber security to active and passive wireless threats, say experts.
Wireless security covers risks in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connections, including unauthorized access, eavesdropping, and device compromise.
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Background for this topic.
Wireless systems transmit data over radio or other electromagnetic links rather than a physical cable, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and many IoT protocols. The tag usually covers the security of these protocols, access points, client devices, and radio-enabled equipment—not every use of the word “wireless.”
Because signals can extend beyond controlled spaces, an attacker within range may capture traffic, attempt unauthorized association or pairing, impersonate a legitimate access point, or disrupt service through interference. Encryption alone does not prevent these attacks: use secure authentication, current protocol configurations, protected management interfaces, and segmentation between wireless clients and sensitive networks. Track firmware and protocol vulnerabilities, remove obsolete security modes, monitor for rogue devices and unusual associations, and review wireless logs during investigations. Bluetooth and IoT deployments also require attention to default credentials, discoverability, and unnecessary exposed services.
Major events like the FIFA World Cup need to look beyond traditional physical and cyber security to active and passive wireless threats, say experts.