How to Set Up a Secure Business Broadband Network

The modern, interconnected age has been a boon for many businesses but comes with risks. Businesses of all sizes are constantly being targeted by hackers aiming to steal precious data, and protecting your business and customers from these bad actors needs to be at the top of your priority list, as a business owner. But how can this security be achieved, and what are the best practices? What can you do to ensure you can achieve this level of protection?

The Importance of Business Network Security

A business network is a web of links connecting the computers, telephones, printers, fax machines, scanners, and devices in your organisation. Increasingly, these will use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to communicate with each other, which will significantly benefit efficiency and sales.

WiFi devices are one of the major targets when it comes to hacking attempts on businesses, with 72% of business data breaches happening due to unsecured wireless devices, according to a UK study carried out in 2019 by the technology services provider Probrand. Attacks can take many forms, from harmful software being installed on your systems, which gives hackers access to all your files, to the theft of customer information, including credit card details. 

Why Is It Important to Protect a WiFi Network?

Hackers do not only target large businesses. After all, large corporations should be aware of the risks of having insecure networks that make accessing them extremely difficult, while smaller businesses may not have the resources, time, or expertise to deal with such matters.

The costs of security breaches can be massive. Reputationally, they can be ruinous. Why, for example, would a customer give their credit card details to any business that can’t be trusted to keep those details away from prying eyes? In many sectors, they could lead to regulatory issues. Considering the damage that malicious software can cause to machines onto which they’re installed, you could save money by not having to replace equipment that is no longer usable by an attack. 

Steps to Secure Your Business Broadband Network

Securing your business broadband network is crucial to protect sensitive data and ensure the smooth operation of your business. 

Conduct a Network Security Audit

A network security audit helps identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. Assess current security measures: Evaluate firewalls, antivirus software, and other security tools. Look for open ports, outdated software, and weak passwords. Review network configurations to ensure they align with industry standards.

Choose the Right Hardware (Routers, Firewalls)

Invest in robust hardware to safeguard your network. Choose routers with advanced security features like WPA3 encryption and built-in firewalls. Implement both hardware and software firewalls to filter incoming and outgoing traffic.

Implementing Strong Password Policies

Strong passwords are a fundamental defence against unauthorised access. Remember to consider the following. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters for all passwords, and ensure that all passwords are periodically required to be changed while avoiding reusing old ones. You can also add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.

Using WPA3 Encryption

WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, offering enhanced protection. It provides better security for data transmitted over Wi-Fi and offers greater protection against brute-force attacks by limiting the number of password attempts that can be made, making it harder for attackers to guess passwords.

Set Up a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN encrypts internet traffic, protecting data from interception. Securing remote access allows employees to securely connect to the network from remote locations, and data encryption ensures that data transmitted over the internet is encrypted and secure.

Enable Network Monitoring and Logging

Continuous monitoring helps detect and respond to security incidents. Use network monitoring tools to track network activity, identify suspicious behaviour, and maintain network activity logs to analyse and investigate potential security breaches.

How to Secure Internet Connection from Hackers

Securing your internet connection from hackers is essential to protect your data and maintain privacy. Here are some practical ways to do so:

Use a Secure DNS Service

A secure DNS service helps prevent DNS-based attacks. Secure DNS services encrypt your DNS queries, preventing ISPs and attackers from snooping on your browsing activity. Protection against DNS spoofing services can block malicious websites and prevent DNS spoofing attacks.

Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts: Additional verification requires a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone and your password. Even if your password is compromised, the attacker would still need the second factor to gain access, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorised access. 

Regularly Update Firmware and Software

Keeping your devices up to date is crucial for security.  Make sure that you update any firmware and software as soon as you’re notified to do so. Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit, while firmware updates can also enhance the performance and stability of your devices.

Position Your Router Safely

Proper router placement can improve security and performance. Place your router in a central location to ensure even coverage, reduce signal leakage outside your home, and keep it away from electronic devices and metal objects that can interfere with the signal.

Disable WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)

WPS can be a security risk due to its vulnerability to brute-force attacks. Turn off WPS in your router settings to prevent unauthorised access and ensure your Wi-Fi network uses WPA3 encryption for enhanced security.

Limit DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Leases

Limiting DHCP leases can help control which devices connect to your network. Setting a short lease time ensures that devices frequently renew their IP addresses, making it harder for unauthorised devices to stay connected. Assign static IP addresses to known devices for better control and monitoring.

Best Practices for Business WiFi Security

Some of the best current practices for securing your business wifi include: 

Segment the network for different user groups

Network segmentation involves dividing your network into separate segments for different user groups. Enhanced security limits access to sensitive data by isolating different departments or user groups.

Reducing network congestion by managing traffic more efficiently will improve performance. You may consider creating separate VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) for employees, management, and IoT devices.

Guest Network Setup

Setting up a guest network provides internet access to visitors without compromising your main network. Doing this keeps guest devices separate from your business network, protecting sensitive data while allowing you to set bandwidth limits and usage policies for guests. Most modern routers support guest network setup through their admin interface.

Employee Training on Network Security

Educating employees about network security is essential for maintaining a secure environment. Conduct workshops and training sessions on phishing, password management, and safe browsing practices. Establish and communicate clear security policies and procedures. And keep employees informed about the latest security threats and best practices.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Ensure your WiFi network complies with relevant laws and regulations. Adhere to regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) to protect user data. Follow industry-specific standards, such as PCI DSS, for businesses handling credit card information. Conduct regular security audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.

Although many of the above steps can look daunting, they can be easily achieved, and for all the scare stories that we see about data breaches, it remains the case that many businesses don’t suffer significant issues from hackers. But this isn’t something that you can afford to leave to chance. By improving your business network security, you’re stating how seriously you take your obligations while protecting yourself and your business against any future problems!