Does your business use a WiFi network? If you haven’t taken the proper steps to secure it, you may be vulnerable to attacks on your network.
Because data in a wireless network is transported over the air, it is essential to put basic security measures in place. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your business’s network isn’t easily compromised.
Make sure your network is physically secure. Don’t have your router accessible for just anyone to get to it. Many routers come with a reset button that’ll undo all of the configurations that make it secure, leaving it vulnerable. You also want to ensure that outsiders can’t connect to open Ethernet ports in the building. An intruder with access to your network will be able to access secured information and wreak havoc, so this basic step is absolutely crucial.
Don’t use the default credentials. Sure, it’s EASIER to leave your router’s username and password at default… but it is NOT worth the risk! The default login information for routers can easily be found online; they are literally set up to be easily accessed and changed. After picking a secure location for your router, changing the default login information is the next thing that should be done. If someone gains access to your network via the router, you’re making yourself vulnerable to a whole host of issues (your computer files will be accessible, malware could be introduced to your whole network, etc.)!
Change the password when employees leave. If your employees all use the same password to access the network, you should change the password whenever an employee leaves the company. It never hurts to be overcautious to avoid employee sabotage.
Update the firmware on your wireless access point. Updates to firmware will contain security patches that are essential to making sure your wireless access point is continually secure. As known exploits are discovered, the manufacturer will regularly put these patches out to prevent issues. If you don’t update the firmware, you’re leaving yourself open to being attacked. Firmware updates could also introduce new security features as the manufacturer develops them.
Ensure that you have a firewall for your network. A firewall is your first line of defense against hackers. Firewalls could be a physical hardware device or come in the form of software, but both will check all incoming traffic and decide whether or not it’s safe to allow on your network. There are a multitude of reasons why a firewall is important for your business to have – here at Kitsap Networking, we recommend SonicWall for our clients.
Have separate WiFi networks for employees and guests. If your business has a guest WiFi accessible, it’s important that you segregate the guest and employee WiFi’s. This inhibits guests from accessing business files and resources. Once that is set up, make sure employees are connecting to the secure network, not the public one! This is especially important when accessing sensitive data related to the business.
Get in touch with a MSP (Managed Services Provider). Our technicians at Kitsap Networking Services will take care of everything for you! With professional help from our experts, you won’t be leaving your business’s security up to chance. Get in touch with us today by emailing info@kitsapnetworking.com.