Learn how much wireless security is important for your business
Wireless security is important because small businesses are just as prone to cyber attacks as big corporations. A survey conducted in 2016 indicates that cyber attacks on small businesses are on the rise.
The number of attacks between 2011 and 2016, saw a tri fold increase. The reason for this uphill trend of cyber attacks is attributed to the lack of precautionary and safety measures taken by small business owners.
Let us help you understand how your business is susceptible to cyber attacks and what wireless security measures you can take to protect your business.
Change the Default Settings of Your System
- After setting up a wireless network, you must change the preset credentials of the network and router. The default credentials usually reveal the name of the brand and model of the router. If a hacker finds out this critical information, he can easily get into your system.
Changing the default password is equally important. The default passwords of all routers can be easily tracked through the internet. If hackers know the model of your router and your wireless network still operates on default password, then getting into your system will be a piece of cake for even a rookie hacker.
- We recommend you to change the password of your network after every four months. It will reduce the chances of a cyber attack. A good password usually has 13 to15 characters. These characters are a mix of upper and lower case alphabets and alphanumerics.
Upgrade your Network and Firmware Periodically
- The field of IT is fast-paced and evolves constantly. It is important to keep pace with the modern technological developments and security measurements. With each passing day, new data encryptions are being developed and released.
The old security measurements become obsolete which makes your system prone to cyber attacks.
- It is important to update the security encryptions of wireless networks and firmware periodically. All components of wireless network i.e. access points, routers and ports need to be monitored and upgraded.
Switch Off Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
- WiFi Protected Setup is an inbuilt feature of the router. It facilitates the pairing between a wireless network and a device.
The downside of WPS is that it makes your network vulnerable to outside attacks. If WPS is on, it simplifies the process for unwanted devices to gain access to your network.
- Keep the router in a protected area. WPS can be switched on by simply pressing a button. Anyone with access to your router can switch it on and breach the security encryptions of your network.
Provide Separate Public and Private Access Portals
- Most businesses keep their networks accessible to the public. However they make the grave mistake of having a single network for both the public and their business matters.
A Service Set Identifier (SSID) should be deployed to make two separate access points to your network.
- One access point can be set up for the general public and the second one for your employees. Separating public and private access points will make your network secure from outside attacks.
Conduct Capacity Building Sessions for Employees
- Cyber attacks are getting more complex. Attacks like phishing scams are often wrapped into seemingly innocent and routine emails. Human negligence and lack of knowledge is the number one cause for the success of cyber attacks.
Educate your employees about cybersecurity protocols. Build their capacity on protection against cyber attacks. Malpractices such as delaying software updates and downloading files from unknown sources make you more vulnerable. Ensure that your employees abide by cyber security rules.
If you think your business is at risk from cyber attacks, seek help from professionals. Outsource My IT provides cyber security services to businesses of all nature. Book your appointment now.
