How to protect your information when using wireless technology

The pandemic has forced many companies to change the way they work. Many still use the work-from-home system, while others have adopted the hybrid model. This sea change has instilled major shifts in the way companies and employees handle technology. Of course, everyone should protect their information. Clearly, wireless technologies are being deployed on a larger scale in organizations. It helps them operate their business systems smoothly and seamlessly.

However, there is a downside to increasing the the use of wireless technology. With more employees in an organization going wireless, the element of risk multiplies.

How can you protect your information when using wireless?

Employees working remotely should be aware of the importance of having a secure connection. When working with classified information, a well-secured wireless connection helps protect company information as well as their personal information.

Large organizations often have systems in place to ensure secure logins for all employees. And this whether they are working remotely or from the office. For those who are not using a secure system, here are some steps they should consider to protect information.

Make your network connection secure and invisible

Wireless access points can advertise their existence to wireless computers. They are considered to be distributing identifiers. In some business situations, it becomes imperative to use ID broadcast, but there is always a risk of unauthorized access.

By disabling ID broadcast, you can make your network connection secure and invisible to others. Find the instructions for deactivating the distribution of the identifier in the user manual of your access point.

Renaming your wireless network

Most wireless access point devices have an encoded name or service set identifier. The default names provided by the manufacturers are generally not encrypted. They can be used to gain unauthorized access to your wireless network. Renaming your wireless network is the best way to prevent such access.

When renaming your network, choose a name that others can’t guess.

Encrypt your network traffic

Your wireless device has the function to enable self-encryption. You can secure traffic passing through the device and computers using this step. By encrypting wireless traffic, the code is changed and can only be encrypted by computers if they receive the exact key of the newly changed code.

Change your administrator password

Each wireless access point device has a default password. Many users probably know them because the manufacturers have defined them. It is possible that a stranger is illegally accessing your wireless network.

Change the administrator password to avoid such situations and associated risks. Make sure the new password is strong and hard to guess. Include characters and numbers that are unrelated to your personal information.

File sharing with extreme caution

If you don’t need to share files on your network, just disable this option. This will put an access point beyond hacker access and make your network safer. If you need to share information, make sure the data is robust protected by a strong password using single characters with words. Also, never open the entire hard drive for file sharing.

Always update the access point software

As is standard with any software system, the developers or manufacturers of the wireless access point will provide updates or patches to correct bugs and other deficiencies in the system. If you do not receive update messages by default, you should visit the manufacturer’s website regularly for information about updates and patches.

Secure your laptop

You should keep your laptop secure to prevent unauthorized access attempts by hackers and competitors. Store business and financial data on the computer only when necessary. Never use an automatic login feature that remembers username and password. The system should log you out when you have completed your tasks. This prevents unauthorized data access even if you misplace your computer or someone steals it.

Install reliable and licensed antivirus, anti-spyware

You should always check if your laptop or device has an anti-virus system before using the wireless network. If there is none, make sure you have good anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software installed. Access settings to put all relevant information behind protective walls and update backups regularly.

Avoid opening suspicious emails

If you receive an email with attachments sent by strangers in your inbox, never open them without putting the security systems in place. You should handle links and programs sent by strangers with caution. Clicking on an unknown file can expose your system to viruses and spyware designed to capture passwords and classified data.

Check your Wi-Fi, especially when using public systems

Never take Wi-Fi security for granted. This can be one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your system. Before connecting your Wi-Fi network, ensure the privacy of your data and other crucial information you may have on your system. When you use your laptop in public wireless systems such as an airport, cafe, library or hotel, check if adequate Wi-Fi security systems are in place before sharing documents or files.

Conclusion

Wireless technology has made life convenient and comfortable for individuals and professionals. We can perform tasks remotely without the hassle and hassle of a shared commute or endless traffic.

However, there is a downside to everything, including technology. Wireless technology, while extremely useful and valuable, also has the potential to compromise our data. Organizations and employees using wireless systems need to be mindful of their online privacy.

You need to know how to protect your business and personal data when using wireless technology.

We realize that hacking is a scourge of technology and hackers are getting smarter and more crafty over time. They seem to be way ahead of technology when it comes to misusing it. The steps above can help you avoid problems and will help protect your information when using wireless systems.