In the digital age, it’s practically a given that any business open to the public will provide complimentary Wi-Fi. Since perpetual access to the web has become a modern-day necessity for many Americans, few stores, restaurants and other centers of commerce can afford to forgo this amenity. However, simply providing patrons with free access to a wireless network isn’t enough – you’ll also need to ensure that their browsing experience is a safe one. If your business develops a reputation for having an unsecured wireless network, you’re liable to see a decrease in foot traffic and an increase in disgruntled customers. Business owners looking to give their patrons the safest possible Wi-Fi experience should put the following tips to good use.
Stay Abreast of Malicious Networks
Data thieves and other cybercriminals are constantly stepping up their game. With every breakthrough made in the field of cyber security, there are several in the field of cybercrime. In recent years, many crooks have started setting up fraudulent Wi-Fi network in the vicinity of popular businesses. To avoid arousing suspicion, the owners of these networks often give them names that mirror those given tonetworks in popular locales. For example, a malicious network set up in the vicinity of Bob’s Coffee Shop might have a name like “BobsCoffeeWiFi.” With this in mind, keep track of Wi-Fi networks in your area and make a note of any that sport suspicious names. A little bit of vigilance can go a long way in protecting your patrons from data theft.
Secure Your Router
Protecting your hardware plays a large role in protecting your wireless network. As such, you’ll need to store your router in a secure location that’s inaccessible to patrons or prying eyes. If a seasoned cybercriminal becomes aware of your router’s manufacturer, model or serial number, they can gain control of your network without you even knowing. Additionally, a reliably secure Wi-Fi service makes the perfect complement to a well-protected router, so when choosing a service provider, it pays to do your homework.
Password-Protect Your Network
Although password protection isn’t exactly feasible for many large businesses, it’s commonly practiced by small and mid-sized enterprises. If you’ve become aware of suspicious activity taking place on your business’s wireless network, it may be in your best interest to enable password protection. This will require any patron who wishes to use your Wi-Fi to physically ask for the password. Not only will this enable you to keep track of how many users are on the network at one time, it will also decrease the a number of people who take excessive advantage of your wireless network.
These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a consumer who doesn’t expect their favorite businesses to provide free Wi-Fi. This is particularly true when it comes to restaurants, coffee shops and other places that seek to offer a homey atmosphere. However, failure to protect the online security of your customers can result in data theft, loss of privacy and compromised financial information. When working to prevent such a fate from befalling your patrons, the previously discussed pointers are sure to come in handy.