Cyber security has quickly become a top priority for modern businesses. Hackers and cyber criminals are constantly breaching business networks and gaining access to sensitive data. The most common entry point for hackers is via business wireless networks.
Let’s discuss securing business wireless networks and the steps you can take to prevent such malicious attacks on your business.
Of course, for the most comprehensive network and telecommunication solutions, you should always consult professional experts like Communications Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida.
That being said, let’s dive right in.
Securing Your Business Wireless Network
Securing your business wireless network requires you to follow some basic precautions and best practices.
· Restrict Physical Access to Your Router
Before anything else, you should move your business router to a secure physical location to restrict unauthorized access. For example, a secure server room or a locked cabinet are ideal locations. Moreover, you should consider placing a CCTV camera to keep an eye on your router.
· Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
Wi-Fi protected setup or WPS is a pairing technology that makes connecting devices to an encrypted network by simply pushing a button on the router. While this is convenient, it is also unsafe, especially if someone gains access to your business router.
They only need to push a button to access the wireless network. So, once you have placed your router in a secure location (and preferably placed a CCTV camera), you need to disable WPS to secure your business network further.
· Use At Least WPA2 Encryption
Wi-Fi Protected Access or WPA (not to be confused with WPS) is an encryption technology that protects your data by encrypting it at the router and offers improved user authentication. Most modern routers have at least WPA2 encryption, the Wi-Fi security standard, and an improved version of WPA.
In 2018, WPA 3 was launched and started rolling out to the latest wireless network devices. However, it is still not as common, and WPA3 routers are also more expensive. While WPA3 provides better security, your business router or Wi-Fi should at least use WPA2 protection.
· Employ a Unique Password and SSID Name
Wi-Fi routers have a default SSID name and password, which is incredibly easy to hack. Therefore, it would be best to change yours. Make sure the password and SSID name used are not common phrases that can be deduced easily. Businesses often make the mistake of using common terms like “admin” as their SSID.
Another common mistake is to use the initials of your company. Cyber criminals are aware of such common names, making it easier for them to gain access. Always use a unique SSID name and password.
Your password should include alphabets in both uppercase and lowercase, special characters, and numbers to be more secure. If you cannot create or remember one, using a secure password manager might help.
Not only can it help you remember your passwords, but most password managers come with password generators capable of creating unique and difficult passwords.
· Disable SSID Broadcasting
Your business wireless network is not a public network, which means you don’t need to broadcast its availability to unauthorized people. Disabling SSID broadcasting will ensure that only authorized people who know the network name (SSID) can join your business’s secure and private wireless network.
· Create a Separate Guest Network
Your business work should only be done on a secure business wireless network to keep things private. Similarly, creating a guest network allows you to restrict guests from accessing your company’s private, secure network.
You can do this by creating a subnet for guests, which lowers congestion, improves organization, and avoids unauthorized activity on your business wireless network. You should also mandate employees to connect their personal devices only on the guest network to secure your business network further.
· Never Re-Use Passwords
Companies make a huge mistake by re-using the same password for their business networks, devices, and accounts. This makes all your password-protected assets vulnerable, should a hacker manage to crack just one of your assets.
Along with using strong, confusing passwords, you need to have unique passwords for everything. Once again, this is where a reliable password manager can come in handy to create and store unique and strong passwords for all your business assets.
· Enable Router Firewall
Many routers come with a built-in firewall. This is a great feature that helps prevent unauthorized access to your business’s wireless network. If your router has this feature, you should activate it and set it to more secure settings that only allow traffic initiated from your business network.
· Update Software/ Firmware Regularly
Routers and network devices receive software and security patches, which is the norm for connected devices nowadays. Their manufacturers constantly address bugs, create fixes, and update the devices with the latest firmware and security patches.
However, these won’t work unless you update your business network devices and routers. Regular updates prevent hackers from exploiting known weaknesses of these devices, so make sure yours have up-to-date software/firmware and security patches.
· Consider Using a VPN
Unfortunately, persistent hackers may be able to spy on your wireless network traffic, even if they don’t have the password to your router yet. This means your personal, business, and other sensitive data may be vulnerable to things like spying and phishing.
Here, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be incredibly useful. VPNs secure all your data by encrypting the local traffic on your network. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to know what users on your wireless network are doing.
Conclusion
Business, personal, and client data are arguably the most important assets of a modern business. This means protecting them should be a priority, and securing your business wireless network is the first step in doing exactly that.
By following basic precautions like securing your router, using a unique name and password, and updating the software, you can prevent your business wireless network from getting breached. Thus, allowing you to secure your sensitive data.
The mentioned things will help you improve your business’s cyber security. However, you should always consult expert professionals like Communication Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, for the best business wireless network security.
They can set up and secure your business network, deploy comprehensive CCTV systems, and even guide you on reliable VPN security.
If you want to learn more about securing your business wireless network, or if you want comprehensive business network and telecommunication solutions, Contact Us Today.