Wireless networks are popular in midsized businesses due to their easy set up and convenience. However, if a wireless network is not properly secured, hackers within range can access it and infiltrate your network.

At CopperTree we provide effective consultation to establish your pain points and build an effective infrastructure. Below are various areas we address:

1. Creative Password Creation is Important

Many wireless routers ship with a default password for the administrator account. It is important that you change the default password to a strong one that is a minimum of eight characters. The password should include both upper and lowercase letters, plus numbers. Adding special characters strengthens the password considerably.

2. Is Your Wireless Router’s Firewall Enabled?

Most wireless routers have built-in firewalls, but often are shipped with the firewall turned off. Make sure your router’s firewall is turned on. Take time to check your firewall settings or have your IT service provider configure your firewall for you.

3. Wireless Router’s Remote Management Feature

Managing your router from a remote location, can leave your router susceptible to attacks. For this reason, we recommend disabling your remote management if you do not need to use this feature.

4. Always Log Out

Most wireless routers have a browser-based user interface to configure router settings. If you leave this interface open and someone were to gain access to your computer, your router is vulnerable. So make sure to always log out when you are finished configuring the router.

5. Make Sure Wi-Fi Sense’s Network-Sharing Functionality Is Disabled on Windows 10 Devices

Both Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile include a feature called Wi-Fi Sense. This feature helps the user find open Wi-Fi hotspots, and share their Wi-Fi networks without sharing the networks’ passwords. Users can share their Wi-Fi networks with all their contact groups for Facebook, Skype, and Outlook.com. You may wish to make it a company policy to not share your business’s wireless network and advise staff to disable the Wi-Fi Sense’s network-sharing functionality on these devices.

6. Keep Your Wireless Router’s Firmware Updated

All wireless routers have firmware. Firmware is software that gives the device its functionality. Like all software, firmware sometimes may get bugs or security vulnerabilities. Keeping your wireless router’s firmware updated will make your router more secure.

7. Protect all Computers That Have Access To Your Wireless Network

Despite your best efforts, hackers may still infiltrate your wireless network. Anti-malware software should be installed on all computers that access your wireless network. In addition, keep all your computers’ operating systems and applications updated so that known bugs and security vulnerabilities are patched.

At CopperTree we work behind the scenes to assess and address these issues before they create problems that stall productivity and security issues.

Check out the many benefits and savings by having Managed IT Services.  We at CopperTree Solutions provide a proactive approach that encompasses the full life cycle of your systems, application, security, plus assist with policies and protective measures for your business to evolve as your company grows. Happily serving clients both large and small, in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford and surrounding areas.

Call 519-804-2461 or email us at mailto:Colin.Shantz@ctsol.ca