Six Easy Steps to Secure Business Wi-Fi:

1. Change Default Admin Information –
Most Wi-Fi devices are not ready for secure data usage right out of the box. Default settings of admin logins are very easy to hack, which then exposes every computer or other devices in the network to hackers. An often overlooked detail in a network’s initial settings that needs to be changed is the service set identifier (SSID). SSID is just a fancy term for your network name. It usually displays your device’s brand and model, which makes it easier to hack into.

2. Physically Secure Wi-Fi Devices –
Wi-Fi connections can definitely be subject to online hacking, but the Wi-Fi device (e.g. the router) itself is also vulnerable to physical sabotage. Wi-Fi devices can be hacked easily by plugging in malicious devices with malware on them, or physically damaged to disrupt internet access. Therefore, secured locations are crucial in storing your network devices. Consider locking important Wi-Fi devices in a locked closet or a secure room.

3. Isolate Guest Use of Wi-Fi –
Without compartmentalizing or dividing the network for business use and guest use, information transmission may be intercepted. This can lead to the leakage of sensitive business files. It is important to set up a guest Wi-Fi network if the business is open to public Wi-Fi use. A firewall should also be installed properly not only on the network devices, but also all business computers.

4. Strengthen Encryption –
It is always a good idea to use a complicated, lengthy, and mixed-symbol password, especially when using Wi-Fi’s WPA2 data encryption. Outdated WEP and WPS encryption services should be disabled, as they are likely to have more vulnerabilities. Adding another layer of EAP-TLS encryption, which issues an additional digital certificate, is encouraged when there are multiple uses within business network.

5. Update the Software and Hardware –
The advancement of information technology is occurring rapidly, but so is the hacking techniques that come along with it. It is important to keep up with software and hardware updates to guard against new type of cyberattacks.

6. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) –
Another option you can utilize is adding a virtual private network to your business network. VPNs basically work between a physical (proxy) server and the internet, so VPNs can hide your true location. VPNs can even act as a front to ward off potential hackers since they allow you to pick your computer’s supposed location from any place in the world (assuming a proxy server is available there). VPNs are a low-cost and effective tool that make it much more difficult for hackers to locate your server and steal your information.