In the modern day office it is vitally important to realise that a Wi-Fi network does not end at the office walls, in many cases it is possible for the network to extend over 300 feet through the air.
If your Wi-Fi access points are not properly secured
people outside your business may be able to gain access to it.
If someone were to gain access to your Wireless Network
it could mean more than them simply having internet access via your network.
People who are able to access your wireless router or
network may also be able to;
• Gain access to all of the files on your
computer/shared network and spread viruses
• Monitor all of the websites you visit, copy log-in
names and passwords
• Gain access to sensitive emails
• Slow down computers & laptops and the internet
connection speed
• Send spam
• Carry out illegal activities using your Internet
connection
How to keep your Wi-Fi secure:
Use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
Many access points still offer the older WEP standard of
security, however this is leaves your network open to hacking. It is vital that
a network is secured using a WPA protection or the more recent WPA2 encryption.
Utilise a Secure WPA/WPA2 Password
When creating a password for your Wireless network always
avoid anything memorable or related to your business. Instead a random
assortment of letters both upper and lower case, numeric and symbols can be used to
create a long password that would be difficult to recreate.
Check for Rogue Wi-Fi Access Points
Rogue Access points can present a huge security threat.
These would not be authorised by your company but instead have been installed
by a visitor, employee or even intruder. These can then be used to gain access
to your network with relative ease.
Make a separate network available for guests
If you have visitors to your building and wish to allow
them access to the internet via your Wi-Fi network it is highly recommended
that you create a guest account. Many Wi-Fi
solutions allow you to create extra networks but give you the ability to
restrict their access.
Restrict access to devices that present risk
Some solutions offer WIPSs (Wireless Intervention
Prevention System) that can automatically detect devices that present a
potential risk and restrict their access. Cisco Meraki offer one of the best
with Air Marshall.
