These Easy Steps Can Make a Big Difference
Cyberattacks are on the rise. Initially, it was the world’s largest businesses that were under constant assault. The vaults of invaluable data they held were worth the huge investments hackers made in order to crack them. But today, just as automation technology has benefited many companies, so too have nefarious cyber activities become automated and far less costly. Meaning: Every business enterprise today can fall prey to cyberthreats.
There are several easy and inexpensive best-practice tips for immediately fortifying your cyber defenses, particularly concerning vulnerable Wi-Fi entry points. Let’s take a peek at just 6 ways to improve Wi-Fi security for business.
#1 — Implement Tougher Access Protocols
First of all, establish separate and limited external guest access points to your network, with separate usernames and passwords required. Then implement Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) for internal network use, requiring each user to authenticate with their own unique username and password.
#2 – Physically Hide Your Wi-Fi Gear
It seems like a deceptively simple step, but locating your physical access points behind ceiling panels or in locked closets can prevent physical tampering, access, and potential data theft.
#3 – Limit Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
This sounds completely counterintuitive, of course, because most businesses wish to provide employees with the strongest and broadest Wi-Fi signal possible. But if coverage extends beyond the walls of your business, then you’re rolling out the carpet for roving hackers. Dial it down to just enough, for safety.
#4 – Use an Unassuming SSID Name
This is another seemingly elemental method, but it works. Many businesses call unwanted cyber attention to themselves by using Service Set Identifier (SSID) names that may be way too revealing, such as “Accounts Payable Wi-Fi.” That’s an extreme example, of course, but you get the point. A good rule of thumb: The more unremarkable the name of your network, the more likely it is to be ignored. “Second Floor, Seven,” for example, is just a locator name that divulges nothing about the work activity there.
#5 — Explore All Network Management Tools
Most enterprise Wi-Fi solutions come with a host of built-in network management tools that many IT teams tend to overlook. These tools typically include security measures that can shore up vulnerabilities. Be sure your team explores them all and deploys what works.
#6 — Keep Your Network Up to Date
Lastly, another easy and cost-effective protection measure involves simply reviewing and updating your network assets periodically. Over time, routers, extenders, wireless printers, and firmware and software alike can fall behind on evolving encryption technology. They become vulnerabilities without you even knowing it. Maintaining manual or automated lifecycle logs can help you keep track of these security fissures and seal them before hacks occur.
Fast, Reliable, Secure Business Wi-Fi
Astound Business Solutions offers simple, affordable, and secure Wi-Fi options for businesses of all sizes — supporting hundreds of devices and keeping everyone connected wherever they work. Learn more at enterprise Wi-Fi solutions.
