How to Secure Your Small Business Network (Firewalls, Wi-Fi & WPA3)

Your network is the front yard of your business. If it’s wide open, everything inside is fair game. The good news: a handful of settings turn that front yard into a well-fenced property.

Start with the firewall

A business-grade firewall controls what’s allowed in and out. Change default passwords, keep its firmware updated, and turn on intrusion detection/prevention if available. Consumer routers from the electronics store usually aren’t enough for a business.

Lock down the Wi-Fi

• Use WPA3 (or WPA2 at minimum) with a long, unique passphrase.
• Create a separate guest network so visitors and the break-room smart TV never touch your business devices.
• Don’t tape the Wi-Fi password to the front desk.

Segment and encrypt

Keep payment systems, cameras, and IoT gadgets on their own segments so a hacked thermostat can’t reach your accounting files. Use encryption (HTTPS, and a VPN for remote access) so data in transit can’t be snooped.

Don’t forget the basics

• Change every default username and password on network gear.
• Disable remote management you don’t use.
• Keep firmware current.

Techtrix designs and monitors business networks so the right doors are locked and the right alarms are on. Curious where yours stands? Let’s take a look.