Because the Internet has become the backbone of communication, work, and recreation, it is increasingly common for customers to request access to a Wi-Fi network when visiting a business. Whether you operate a cafe, a retail store, or a salon, offering free Wi-Fi is critical to compete in your market. However, it’s essential you don’t hand over the login to your company’s Wi-Fi network; instead, allow access to a dedicated guest Wi-Fi network. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how using a guest Wi-Fi network will help keep your business more secure.
Implementing a guest Wi-Fi network, or “network segmentation,” is critical for businesses. Segregating guest access from internal operations safeguards sensitive data and maintains operational integrity. For instance, point-of-sale systems, customer databases, and internal communications should reside on a secure network, separate from the guest Wi-Fi. This protects against potential data breaches and ensures business continuity.
The Risks of a Shared Wi-Fi Network
If your customers or guests request access to the Internet, avoid giving them the login and password for your company’s regular Wi-Fi network. Allowing unknown individuals to access your primary Wi-Fi network can open the door to many security risks. Here’s why:
Security Breaches
Every device connected to your Wi-Fi network is a potential entry point for cyber threats. Unauthorized users could inadvertently or intentionally download malicious software, leading to data breaches. This is particularly concerning for businesses handling sensitive customer information or personal data.
Think about each user on your Wi-Fi as a portal to the highway of data running through the network. All it takes is one person to open a malicious link and activate a virus, which can travel from their device to your computer servers. By restricting access to a guest Wi-Fi network, the virus will be blocked from infiltrating your servers holding sensitive information.
Bandwidth Hogging
When multiple devices share the same network, bandwidth can become congested. This slows down your internet speed, affecting the performance of critical business operations. Utilizing a guest network ensures your primary network remains efficient and reliable.
While having one or two more users on your network may not make a significant difference, it doesn’t take many people attending a remote online meeting to bog down your bandwidth.
Privacy Concerns
Your primary network may have shared devices, such as printers, storage devices, or even computers with sensitive files. Allowing guests access to this network can inadvertently expose these devices to prying eyes. A guest Wi-Fi network isolates these devices, safeguarding your privacy.
Creating a Guest Wi-Fi Network
Establishing a guest Wi-Fi network is straightforward, significantly enhancing your overall network security. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Access Your Router Settings
To create a guest network, log into your router’s administrative settings. This is typically done by entering the router’s IP address into a web browser. The login credentials are usually found on the router or the user manual.
Step 2: Enable Guest Network
Once logged in, navigate to the wireless settings section. Here, you should find an option to enable a guest network. This option might be labeled differently depending on the router brand but is usually straightforward to identify.
Step 3: Configure Network Settings
After enabling the guest network, you can customize the network name (SSID) and password. It’s crucial to set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, ensure the guest network is isolated from your primary network. Many routers have an option labeled “Guest Network Isolation” or “Access Intranet,” which should be enabled to prevent guests from accessing your internal network devices.
Step 4: Set Usage Limits
To prevent bandwidth issues, consider setting usage limits for your guest network. Some routers allow you to limit the number of connected devices or the bandwidth allocated to the guest network. This ensures that your primary network remains unaffected by guest usage.
Step 5: Regularly Update Network Security
Ensure that your router’s firmware is always up to date. Firmware updates often include security patches that protect against the latest threats. Regular updates will keep both your primary and guest networks secure.
Best Practices for Network Security on a Guest Wi-Fi Network
Implementing a guest Wi-Fi network is just one aspect of a comprehensive network security strategy. Here are a few additional best practices to consider:
Use Strong Passwords: Always use complex, unique passwords for both your primary and guest networks. Avoid common passwords and change them regularly to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Even though this segregated network may be open to more people to use, it is important to limit it to actual customers. For example, avoid using the name of your business as the password for your guest Wi-Fi network.
Enable Network Encryption: Ensure your Wi-Fi networks use the latest encryption standards, such as WPA3. Encryption protects the data transmitted over your network, making it harder for cybercriminals to intercept and exploit.
Monitor Network Activity: Regularly monitor the devices connected to your networks. Most modern routers provide tools to view connected devices and their activity. This helps you identify any unusual activity that could indicate a security threat.
Educate Users: Educate your customers, guests, and employees about safe internet practices. Encourage them to avoid downloading untrusted applications or clicking on suspicious links. Awareness is a critical component of network security.
Hunter Communication can answer your questions about Internet security
The security of your Wi-Fi network is paramount. Using a guest Wi-Fi network provides a convenient service for customers and visitors and protects your primary network from potential security threats. Network segmentation, or using a guest Wi-Fi network, is essential to keep your company’s electronic information and systems secure. Implementing these practices allows you to enjoy a more secure, efficient, and reliable internet experience.
Our team at Hunter Communications makes it easy to manage your technology with SmartBiz. SmartBiz is an all-in-one managed Wi-Fi solution built for small businesses. With our program, it’s simple to set up and manage up to four networks, giving your business the security you need. Contact us today for more information about our business internet packages, sized for small businesses, large corporations, and everything in between.