It is becoming increasingly popular for businesses everywhere to offer public WiFi service to their customers. Whether you are a coffee shop, hotel, restaurant, or retail, public WiFi is a critical complimentary service to offer to your customers to make you stand out from the competition. Although public WiFi has its fair share of positive qualities, public WiFi also makes it easier for people to get hacked. While going the extra mile to help protect customers on your public WiFi isn’t necessary, it is a great way to build a trustworthy rapport with your customers. Our Friendly Managed Services can help with any of the tips we are about to mention. Give us a call if you want to impress your customers with a safe and secure public WiFi network.
Create a Password
Most public WiFi networks are unlocked, meaning that no password is required to access it. This makes that network a target for hackers, as they don’t have to put in any extra work to access it. Something as simple as password protecting your network can deter most amateur hackers. You can do a number of things to make it easy for your customers to access your establishment’s WiFi network. For example, you can have the WiFi password printed on the bottom of receipts, display a sign encouraging customers to ask an employee for the password, or you can have WiFi information printed on QR codes or menus. These simple, yet effective steps can greatly decrease the chances of your customers being hacked at your establishment.
Update Your Firmware and Software
Although they may not be at the top of your to-do list, system updates are crucial to you and your customer’s security. It’s imperative to occasionally check if there have been any firmware updates for your router. These fixes are introduced to solve specific, documented vulnerabilities or problems. Not patching them up leaves a huge door open for security issues. This also applies for any network security software that you’re running. Firmware updates usually self-install after downloading, making them a simple step in securing your router. Updates are also something we here at Friendly Managed Services can watch out for as part of your IT contract.
Eliminate Random APs
Unofficial APs offer another access point to your network. These are often created by someone on your network who has bad connectivity or is looking for a fix to a problem. The problem is that these APs are not configured as securely as the rest of your network. Thus providing attackers with a window of vulnerability into your router. Take the time to occasionally do access point scanning of your network.
These are just three easy and cost effective ways to help protect your customers on public WiFi networks. As aforementioned, Friendly Managed Services want to help you with each of these tips to ensure that your network is as safe as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (402)965-3300 with any questions you may have.
