Originally published December 10, 2009. Updated by One Call Networks with current Wi-Fi security guidance.
Is your Wi-Fi secure?
Wireless security has changed dramatically since this article was first written, but the underlying problem has not: an improperly secured Wi-Fi network can expose your Internet connection, devices, and business data to people who should not have access.
In the early days of Wi-Fi, we routinely encountered homes and small businesses using default network names, no encryption, and factory administrator passwords. Modern equipment is better out of the box, but secure configuration still matters.
What a secure Wi-Fi network should have today
- WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Avoid obsolete security methods such as WEP.
- A strong Wi-Fi password. It should not be the same password used for the router’s administrator account.
- A changed administrator password. Never leave networking equipment on a factory-default management password.
- Current firmware. Routers, firewalls, switches, and access points need security updates just like computers do.
- A separate guest network. Visitors and untrusted devices should not automatically share the same network as business systems.
- Appropriate segmentation. Cameras, smart devices, point-of-sale equipment, servers, and employee systems should be separated when the environment warrants it.
Why this matters
If someone uses your Internet connection for malicious activity, consumes your bandwidth, or gains access to a poorly protected device, the problem belongs to your network even if you did not invite them in. For businesses, Wi-Fi security is part of the larger cybersecurity picture, not simply a convenience setting.
One Call Networks can help
One Call Networks designs, secures, and troubleshoots business networks throughout Traverse City and Northern Michigan. We work with secure Wi-Fi, firewalls, VPNs, network segmentation, monitoring, and the rest of the technology that has to work together around them.
If you are unsure whether your current wireless network is properly secured, contact us and we can review it with you.