Your WiFi network is often the easiest entry point for hackers. Most small business wireless networks have serious security gaps that are surprisingly easy to fix.
Common WiFi Security Mistakes
In our years of serving Bergen County businesses, we see the same WiFi security mistakes over and over:
Using the Default Admin Password
Every router ships with a default username and password (often "admin/admin" or "admin/password"). Hackers know these defaults. If you haven't changed yours, anyone can access your router settings, redirect your traffic, or lock you out of your own network.
WPA2-Personal for Business
WPA2-Personal (also called WPA2-PSK) uses a single shared password for everyone. When an employee leaves, do you change the WiFi password and update every device? Most businesses don't. WPA2-Enterprise assigns unique credentials to each user, so you can revoke access individually.
No Guest Network
When clients, vendors, or visitors ask for WiFi, do you give them your main network password? They now have access to your entire network—file servers, printers, and all your devices. A separate guest network keeps visitors online without exposing your business systems.
Outdated Firmware
Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities. If you've never updated your router's firmware, you're running software with known security holes that hackers can exploit.
How Hackers Exploit WiFi
Understanding the threats helps you appreciate why these protections matter:
- Evil twin attacks — A hacker sets up a fake WiFi network with a similar name. When you connect, they can intercept all your traffic.
- Man-in-the-middle attacks — Attackers position themselves between you and the internet, capturing passwords and sensitive data.
- Brute force attacks — Automated tools try thousands of password combinations until they crack your WiFi password.
- Router exploits — Unpatched routers have known vulnerabilities that let attackers take control.
Separate Your Networks
At minimum, every business should have three separate networks:
- Employee network — For company computers and devices that need access to business resources
- Guest network — For visitors, with internet access only, no access to internal systems
- IoT network — For printers, security cameras, smart thermostats, and other devices
This segmentation limits damage if one network is compromised. If a visitor's infected laptop connects to your guest network, it can't spread to your business systems.
Business-Grade Equipment Matters
Consumer routers from Best Buy aren't designed for business security or reliability. They lack features like:
- VLAN support for network segmentation
- WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise authentication
- Detailed logging and monitoring
- Automatic firmware updates
- Centralized management for multiple access points
Business-grade solutions from Ubiquiti, Meraki, or Aruba provide these features along with better performance and reliability. The upfront cost is higher, but the security and stability are worth it.
WiFi Security Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate your current WiFi security:
- ☐ Using WPA3 or WPA2-Enterprise encryption
- ☐ Changed default admin credentials
- ☐ Separate guest network configured
- ☐ Separate IoT network configured
- ☐ Firmware updated in the last 90 days
- ☐ WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) disabled
- ☐ Remote management disabled or secured
- ☐ Strong, unique WiFi passwords (12+ characters)
- ☐ Business SSID hidden from broadcast (optional)
Need Help Securing Your WiFi?
We can assess your current WiFi setup and implement proper security measures. Our team has configured secure wireless networks for medical offices, law firms, retailers, and other Bergen County businesses with specific security and compliance needs.