In fact, it’s such a hot topic that Cyber Security is one of the fastest growing sectors globally and the UK government is throwing huge amounts of money into the sector. The aim is two-fold; firstly, to fuel job creation in the UK and ensure the UK remains a global leader across all sectors, and secondly to protect all of the thriving businesses and consumers in the UK.
But what can you do to protect yourself? After all, not every business has the wealth to invest in a Cyber Security department. As a business, you must provide your customers with WiFi, but how can you minimise the risk?
Password Protection
The simplest, but most annoying technique. Do you really want your staff being asked 20, 30, 40 times a day ‘what’s the WiFi password’? I thought not.
Leave It Open With No Password
No! No! No! Whatever anyone does on your network, you’re responsible for. So if someone in your outlet does something illegal on your network, the authorities will be after you unless you can prove who committed the crime.
Captive Portal
This is essentially an authentication process. The user exchanges their information and details in exchange for internet access. It’s secure because they can’t get onto the WiFi network without this step and you as the business also have protection because you can track users’ activity.
Popular captive portals have long been the email and password authentication but Social Media is the hottest login method around at the moment.
Protecting businesses free WiFi hotspots is also about protecting your entire business. Punishment for illegal activity on the network is costly (financially and in time) and reputation damage from any scams involving your network could cripple a business. Don’t fall foul to any potential crime and make sure you set up your hotspot with a suitable system.
Paul Webster
Chief Operating Officer
COO at Fusion WiFi, Consultant at Silicon South. Proud Yorkshireman & Student of the Polish language.
Mainly responsible for shaping the financial and strategic direction of the business, but also love finding ways to create ROI for businesses and solving problems that they didn't know existed. It's not about the WiFi, its about the interaction.