[Approx. 5 minutes reading time]
There is almost no room for error when it comes to tight cybersecurity for your organization.
The risk ecosystem continues to develop, and companies of all types are finally starting to invest in tools, resources, and enterprise partnerships that champion security.
This is often prompted by watching a peer go through a significant breach that severely damages that company's reputation and costs millions in damages.
You simply can't ignore cybersecurity risk anymore.
All that being said, there are still places where companies tend to let their guard down - and that can come back to haunt you… if you're not careful.
One of these is the business Wi-Fi network which is often the glue that keeps a whole company together.
It's widely used and therefore offers a really useful point of entry for any malicious actors. It's crucial that you make sure that your business Wi-Fi security is top-notch and that you don't leave any room for intrusion.
Today we look at 7 of the most common Wi-Fi security mistakes that businesses make, and how you can avoid making them in your own organization.
- Not utilizing ALL the WLAN security features
- Poor device configuration
- Allowing guest access without a password
- Weak passwords
- No network encryption
- Relying too heavily on antivirus and firewalls
- Not evolving with the times
1. Not Utilizing ALL the WLAN Security Features
When you're purchasing equipment to set up your WLAN network, there are a number of security features that can be enabled through setting up the right settings, preferences, and maintenance - all of which serve to protect your business Wi-Fi network from unwanted third parties.
Most businesses only make use of some of these (if any) and don't even realize that they're leaving value on the table.
If you work with a professional IT managed service provider, they can assist you in optimizing this security including port filtering, IP packet filtering, keyword filtering, integrated firewall support, and much more.
2. Poor Device Configuration
Your business Wi-Fi network is only as secure as the devices you use to propagate it.
Often, in a rush to get a network up, a company will set up the devices as quickly as possible - in their default state.
What they don't realize is that the default configuration is substandard and leaves potential loopholes in Wi-Fi network security.
As with the previous point, this is low hanging fruit that can be rectified quickly.
3. Allowing Guest Access Without a Password
You're going to have visitors during the course of normal business, and you want them to be able to access the business Wi-Fi when they are onsite.
Many companies will allow guests to access the Wi-Fi network without a password or any form of credential identification.
This is a BIG mistake because it makes it possible for anyone at all to gain access to the network without any checks!
4. Weak Passwords
Following on from the point above, if your network password is weak and easily identified, then you find yourself in the same position as if you had no password in the first place.
Every business should have clear and detailed password policies that determine what the password for the network should be, how often it should be changed, and who should have access to it.
5. No Network Encryption
Whenever you are transferring sensitive data over an unencrypted network, you are opening yourself up to someone eavesdropping on that information and stealing it.
Every business Wi-Fi network should be equipped with the latest cutting-edge encryption standards but unfortunately there are still a large proportion of businesses who don't encrypt at all.
(We recently posted a video on Network Encrypton - check it out HERE)
6. Relying Too Heavily on Antivirus and Firewalls
It can be tempting to install a well-known anti-virus software and think that all your problems are solved.
But unfortunately, these tools have their own weaknesses and cannot be relied upon as your sole security infrastructure.
Don't let a piece of anti-virus software give you a false sense of security.
Work with professionals who can give you an honest assessment of your risk and how to mitigate it.
7. Not Evolving with the Times
Your business Wi-Fi security is not something you set up and then forget about.
The field of cybersecurity is rapidly advancing and it's important to keep up to date with industry developments as things move along.
Tools, techniques, and concepts can become obsolete quickly if you're not keeping your finger on the pulse of what's happening.
It's often best to partner with a security firm whose job it is to stay on the cutting-edge, so you can leverage their expertise while you continue your core business.
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
Those are 7 all-too-common mistakes that companies make when it comes to their business Wi-Fi security.
We've seen it time and time again with clients here at Continuous Networks and it's always too late to do something about it after you've been breached.
At the end of the day, proactivity is the KEY to effective business Wi-Fi security.
If you're looking for a professional IT partner who can work with you to take care of these concerns on a consistent basis, be sure to check out our services here at Continuous Networks.
We're passionate about helping our clients build secure and technically-sound cybersecurity infrastructures that can manage the risk, while also enabling your staff to get on with the job at hand.
Contact our team HERE, or on our support line +1 201 579 2086.
