5 Top Tips for WiFi Security
WiFi is a convenient option for your business, freeing you from wires and providing great network coverage throughout your premises. However, it’s important to remember that your business WiFi is not automatically secure. With the right tools and knowledge, hackers can easily capture your data if it is not properly secured. If you want to protect your company data, online business accounts and the privacy of those using your network, then you must employ the appropriate security measures. Here’s our 5 top tips for WiFi security…
Enable Encryption
WiFi routers and access points are not secure by default upon purchase. It’s vital that you enable encryption to prevent just anyone being able to access your company network. If you don’t enable encryption, hackers can potentially gain access to your computers and sensitive company data, gain your passwords and hijack your online accounts.
Different encryption protocols provide different levels of security. The options include WEP, WPA and WPA2. The best protection, to date, is offered by WPA2. If possible, establish WPA2 Enterprise security as this provides enhanced security for organisations. As well as enhanced security, this particular mode allows each user to log onto the WiFi network using their own password and username, as opposed to simply using the global passphrase. However, this mode usually requires a server and is more complex to set up than the Personal mode, which can be sufficient for small businesses with only a few WiFi users. WPA2 Personal mode will always be better than no encryption or the very basic, and pretty much useless, WEP encryption.
Change the Default Admin Password
When you set up your business WiFi router, make sure that you change the default admin password as well as the network password. Default admin passwords are often the same for many routers and are, therefore, easy for anyone to guess or find out on the internet should they wish to do so. This information could allow a hacker to take control of your network and launch an attack, so changing passwords is not only a simple measure, but also a vital one. As well as changing the default admin password, also make sure that the network password is of a good strength. Ensure that it’s a good length and contains a mix of letters and numbers.
Establish a Separate Guest WiFi Network
Offering a WiFi connection for visitors and guests can be good for your business, allowing you to create a positive impression and offer a value-added service. However, it can be dangerous to allow people outside of your organisation to have access to your private business WiFi network, where all of your sensitive company data is stored. If you want to offer internet access to guests, you should make sure that such access is kept separate from your main company network. For the best protection, employ a reputable company to install a proper guest WiFi network.
Disable WPS & Limit Devices on the Network
WPS, or WiFi Protected Setup, is a convenient way to connect a range of devices to your WiFi network. It allows you to quickly connect devices by pressing a button and entering a simple PIN. The trouble with increased convenience, however, is that it usually means reduced security. With more and more internet-enabled devices, we can often lose track of what’s connected to our network and these devices can provide a gateway for hackers. In addition, many routers have a weakness that leaves them susceptible to targeted attacks against WPS and this can create vulnerabilities such as the exposure of your network password. Limit the devices connected to your network to those which are strictly necessary and make sure that you disable the WPS feature on your router.
Update Firmware on Your Router
Some routers do automatically download firmware updates, but if yours doesn’t then it’s important to make sure that you are checking for updates regularly. Firmware updates can fix bugs and this includes potential security vulnerabilities that could be putting your WiFi network at risk. You will be able to find the firmware update settings by logging into the admin console. If possible, change the settings to update automatically so that you don’t have to remember to do this manually.
For more information about WiFi security for businesses in Solihull, Redditch and the entire West Midlands area, contact Midland Networks today.