A method for implementing variable rate optional security measures in a wireless communications network, the communications network having a plurality of nodes for communication with mobile subscribers, includes the following steps. A capacity constraint of at least one node of the network is first determined. A load list is dynamically maintained for each node as a function of the capacity constraint, the load list indicating any overload states of the nodes. Lastly, at least one optional security measure is performed on the network as a function of the load list, wherein the at least one optional security measure is selected from a plurality of optional security procedures. An apparatus for implementing variable rate optional security measures in a wireless communications network is also disclosed.