Project Idea
My project addresses the theme of "What If..." because I have based my entire project around the question, "What if cybercriminals couldn't take malicious advantage of a business's network from outside of a small business?" Using radio frequency engineering, Wireless Defender aims to ensure a safe network environment for small and medium sized businesses.
The main problem is that Wi-Fi security has been greatly overlooked since the implementation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption protocol. Recently, a cybersecurity researcher, Mathy Vanheuf, has found a major vulnerability called the Key Reinstallation AttACK (KRACK Attack) which is exceptionally devastating to all Wi-Fi networks within the attacker's proximity. In addition to this vulnerability, about 60% of cyber attack victims are small businesses, and about 47% of small businesses are hit with a cyber attack, whether they are aware of this attack or not.
Wireless Defender's solution to this problem is to use the combination of a Wi-Fi router with a directional antenna, and a radio frequency-blocking shield to block all Wi-Fi signals from exiting the small business.
The main problem is that Wi-Fi security has been greatly overlooked since the implementation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption protocol. Recently, a cybersecurity researcher, Mathy Vanheuf, has found a major vulnerability called the Key Reinstallation AttACK (KRACK Attack) which is exceptionally devastating to all Wi-Fi networks within the attacker's proximity. In addition to this vulnerability, about 60% of cyber attack victims are small businesses, and about 47% of small businesses are hit with a cyber attack, whether they are aware of this attack or not.
Wireless Defender's solution to this problem is to use the combination of a Wi-Fi router with a directional antenna, and a radio frequency-blocking shield to block all Wi-Fi signals from exiting the small business.
Research & Development
I have conducted a lot of research and experimentation about the current problem with Wi-Fi security, current methods of business network security, and radio frequency engineering, to develop and refine our proprietary Wi-Fi Signal-Blocking Shield. For a closer look at our research, check out our full length research document.
In my experiment, I investigated the various factors that influence Wi-Fi signal speed and attenuation (strength). I personally developed various Python scripts to help automate the experimentation process. This helped me to collect data quickly, as well as process the massive amount of data I collected for analysis.
I developed a prototype shield and prototype router, which are both fully functional, through my experimentation and data analysis. The core of the shield is made from a combination of copper and aluminum sheet metal, and then RF fabric is layered on top of the metal. My reasoning for choosing these materials is included in the conclusion of my lab report. The functional protoype router and shield will both be displayed at ExpoFest.
In my experiment, I investigated the various factors that influence Wi-Fi signal speed and attenuation (strength). I personally developed various Python scripts to help automate the experimentation process. This helped me to collect data quickly, as well as process the massive amount of data I collected for analysis.
I developed a prototype shield and prototype router, which are both fully functional, through my experimentation and data analysis. The core of the shield is made from a combination of copper and aluminum sheet metal, and then RF fabric is layered on top of the metal. My reasoning for choosing these materials is included in the conclusion of my lab report. The functional protoype router and shield will both be displayed at ExpoFest.
Written Documentation
My written documentation includes extensive explanations of each aspect of my project. Included in our written project documentation is our lab report, research outline, business plan, and annotated bibliography. All of these documents are also included in my written project document, which is also available as a downloadable PDF.
Online Presence & Marketing
I have worked extremely hard in making this website look as professional as possible. I have been working in website development for 4 years now, and I have used all of the skills that I have acquired since then to put this website together. I also have a great social media presence on Instagram with over 100 followers, which increases awareness about my project.
Project Progress
After I came up with the idea for this project, I quickly created a Time Management Plan, so that I can keep my project's progress on track to be done by May 31st (Expo). While creating this plan, I kept in mind all of the major aspects of my project that I will need to complete. This allows me to plan out my entire project for the year, while also giving myself time for extra project deliverables, such as 3D Modeling.
I have also been consistently posting on my Blog so that others can see how my project has been created over time, and some of the difficulties that I have faced along the way.
I have also been consistently posting on my Blog so that others can see how my project has been created over time, and some of the difficulties that I have faced along the way.
Professionalism & Personal Growth
Because this project relates to cybersecurity, professionalism and seriousness are necessary to make my company viable for market competition. To maintain professionalism, I have branded my company in a way that promotes these qualities.
One way that I experienced personal growth throughout the longevity of my project was when I was speaking with the cybersecurity professionals at QScend Technologies in Waterbury, CT. I also spoke with the Chief Executive Officer of RF Engineering, Thomas Mansfield about the behavior of radio frequency signals, and various materials that are known to block radio frequencies.
I realized that through this project, I learned way more about the field of cybersecurity as a whole, and I was able to speak with these professionals about the very technical aspects of my project as though they were a peer. This is extremely useful to me, as I will be studying computer networking & cybersecurity in college, and will be entering college having done a lot of research in the field already, which was initially my main inspiration in creating this project.
One way that I experienced personal growth throughout the longevity of my project was when I was speaking with the cybersecurity professionals at QScend Technologies in Waterbury, CT. I also spoke with the Chief Executive Officer of RF Engineering, Thomas Mansfield about the behavior of radio frequency signals, and various materials that are known to block radio frequencies.
I realized that through this project, I learned way more about the field of cybersecurity as a whole, and I was able to speak with these professionals about the very technical aspects of my project as though they were a peer. This is extremely useful to me, as I will be studying computer networking & cybersecurity in college, and will be entering college having done a lot of research in the field already, which was initially my main inspiration in creating this project.