Wireless Network Security Frameworks

This chapter investigates the growing security risks associated with the rapid advancement of wireless technologies such as Fifth-Generation (5G) networks and the Internet of Things (IoT). These developments have broadened the attack surface and exposed networks to increasingly sophisticated threats, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven malware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and the future impact of quantum computing on conventional cryptography. While protocols like Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) and the IEEE 802.11i standard offer some improvements, they are inadequate against evolving attack vectors. This chapter explores a wide range of emerging security approaches—spanning advanced encryption, physical layer security (PLS), AI and machine learning (ML)-based defenses, blockchain technologies, and quantum-safe cryptography—and highlights the need for adaptive, low-overhead, and interoperable frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of integrating these technologies into unified, multi-layered architectures to meet future challenges and ensure robust protection across diverse and dynamic wireless environments.