Why you need private and public WiFi

Our commercial director, Hugh Gillen, discusses the importance of implementing both Private and Public WiFi into your business.

The rising demand and necessity for internet access in the workplace has made the presence of both Private and Public WiFi in business premises more important than ever.

But, why does your business need both?

Separating Private and Public WiFi networks means a business can control who has access to business sensitive information. Doing this ensures that business information remains safe and secure away from those who shouldn’t have access to it, whilst also providing visitors and customers with the WiFi capabilities they have come to expect in today’s switched-on world.

How will having both benefit your business?

Although both WiFi options use the same core technology, the benefits they bring to your business are unique, and here are just a few of them:Imaginative

If you choose to have only one WiFi capability, shared by both staff and visitors, then there are a significant number of cyber security risks that go with that. Having both in place ensures work sensitive documents are inaccessible whilst enabling employees, customers and visitors to enjoy Internet connectivity.

The risks of sharing WiFi access include:

• Malware distribution and exposure

Software vulnerabilities and a lack of safeguards can result in cyber attackers slipping malware onto your computer without you even knowing.

A software vulnerability is a security hole or weakness which can be found in the operating system or software program. Cyber hackers are able to exploit these weaknesses by writing a form of code targeting a specific vulnerability and injecting malware onto your device.

Sometimes it can be days until the malware is identified, especially if there is no IT security or protection in place. This can cause the day-to-day running of a business to be brought to an abrupt halt without warning.

• Man in the Middle attacks

One of the most common cyber threats is called a Man in the Middle (MitM) attack. This threat is the equivalent of eavesdropping but in the technical world.

When a computer makes a connection to the Internet, data is sent from the computer to the operating system. Any vulnerabilities in an IT system could allow a cyber attacker to get in between these transmissions and intercept them. In short, what you thought was private, is unlikely to be.

• Unencrypted networks

With Private Business WiFi, businesses can encrypt messages that are sent between a computer and their wireless router in the form of a secret code. This code cannot be understood or read by anyone who doesn’t have the key to decipher the code, and therefore any information sent is kept safe.

Unfortunately, most routers come with their encryption turned off by default, and when they’re not switched on during the setup, any messages transmitted are not safe. When a good IT professional sets up a WiFi network, they should enable encryption, but it’s always wise to double-check that they have.

• Snooping and sniffing

Wi-Fi snooping and sniffing is where cybercriminals purchase software kits to help them eavesdrop via Wi-Fi signals. These attackers can access everything that you are doing online, from viewing whole webpages you have visited to capture your login credentials, and they could potentially hijack your accounts.

Sharing WiFi access gives cyber hackers more opportunities to access systems through the sheer volume of users. Having a Private Business WiFi restricts users and allows for more comprehensive levels of security to prevent this.

Cost-effective

Businesses offering a Public WiFi network provide their employees with the chance to browse the web during their lunchtimes and breaks. They can take advantage of the free wireless service without having to log into their company’s Private WiFi network and causing a potential security breach. This also prevents employees having to rely on their own personal data usage and allocation of texts and minutes when logging in online via their mobile device.

Plus, by separating these WiFi networks, data transfer speeds for employees and customers will be optimised because anyone using bandwidth on Public WiFi hotspots will not impact or interfere with any Private WiFi network.

Increased productivity

Owning Private and Public WiFi means staff are able to access servers, email and printer networks wirelessly, making it a lot easier for them to get work done. It also allows for the possibility of hot desking and device usage during meetings.

Customer and visitor satisfaction

80% of small businesses believe that WiFi is the most crucial resource they can offer to their customers, ranking it above other freebies like coffee, water and snacks. WiFi can help businesses acquire new customers, increase sales and boost repeat visits.

How do I go about getting both?

Installing both forms of WiFi network is a must for businesses of all sizes. It must be fitted by an expert WiFi specialist to ensure it’s done right and with minimum disruption.

Over the last 20 years, Infinium has partnered with hundreds of businesses, across various sectors, to provide them with business WiFi solutions that specifically cater to their needs.

Why not improve WiFi capabilities at your business and see the positive difference it makes?