Your WiFi network is a critical part of your daily operations. If it isn’t properly secured, it can expose your company to serious risk.

What is WiFi security?

WiFi allows your devices to connect to the internet without cables, but sending information through the air creates a potential entry point for attackers.

WiFi security is the practice of protecting a wireless network to keep your sensitive information private. For businesses, the stakes are higher, which makes robust business network security a top priority.

A company network must:

  • Protect sensitive data such as trade secrets, financial records, and employee information.
  • Support many devices at the same time without weakening security.
  • Comply with strict legal and regulatory requirements.

Common WiFi security threats

Weak business network security opens the door to serious risks. These are the most common:

Evil twin (fake WiFi hotspots)

Evil twin spoofing is a common type of man-in-the-middle attack where a hacker sets up a convincing fake WiFi hotspot. Once you connect, they can intercept your traffic or redirect you to malicious phishing sites that trick you into entering credentials.

Packet sniffing (eavesdropping)

Attackers use special software to capture information traveling over a poorly secured wireless network. While HTTPS reduces this risk, sensitive information can still be exposed if you don’t take the proper precautions, like using a VPN or WPA3.

Malware injection via insecure WiFi

Criminals can use open or poorly secure networks to put malware (like ransomware or spyware) onto any connected device, which can then spread across your entire internal system.

Rogue access points

A rogue access point is an unauthorized or unsecured device on your company network, like an employee plugging in a cheap router. These devices can act as a backdoor, bypassing your security and offering attackers a direct route into your internal systems and data.

How to secure your WiFi in 9 steps

Create multiple layers of protection for your network by following these nine steps.

Step 1: Physically secure your router

Network security begins with the physical device. If someone can touch your router, they can reset it to restore insecure factory settings.

  • Place your router in a locked and secure area with limited access, like a server room or a manager’s office.

Step 2: Change all default credentials

Routers often ship with default administrator usernames and passwords, such as admin and password. These are well known and provide attackers with an easy way in.

  • With Proton Pass, you can generate strong, random credentials and store them securely in a shared vault, so your IT team can access them without risk.

Step 3: Use WPA3 encryption and a strong passphrase

Encryption protects the data flowing across your WiFi. Set your router to WPA3 (or at least WPA2-AES) to scramble all traffic.

  • Create a long passphrase with at least 15–20 characters using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Proton Pass can generate a password instantly and share it securely with employees.

Step 4: Keep your router’s firmware updated

Firmware is the software that runs your router. Manufacturers release updates to fix security vulnerabilities, and using outdated firmware is a common risk.

  • Look for a Firmware Update option in your router’s admin panel. If you can, enable automatic updates. If not, set a reminder to check for updates regularly.

Step 5: Create separate networks for guests and staff

A business’s internal network connects to sensitive company resources. Guests and customers should never be able to access it.

  • Enable the Guest Network feature on your router to create an isolated network for visitors. That way, your internal security is not compromised.

Step 6: Hide your internal network name (SSID)

There’s no need for the primary network name to be visible to the public. Hiding it won’t stop all attacks, and this is more of an obfuscation technique than a true defense, but it will make you a less obvious target.

  • In your router’s settings, turn off the SSID Broadcast for your main internal network. You should leave the broadcast on for your guest network. Your employees can connect by manually typing in the network name.

Step 7: Enable the firewall and disable WPS

Many routers have advanced security features that aren’t configured for maximum security out of the box.

  • Make sure your router’s built-in firewall is enabled. You should also find and disable risky features like WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), Remote Administration, and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play).

Step 8: Require a business VPN for all connections

A Virtual Private Network adds another layer of protection by encrypting all traffic between a device and the internet. Even if someone gains access to your WiFi, the data will remain unreadable.

  • Require employees to use a business VPN for all company connections, including the guest network and remote work. With Proton VPN, all traffic is secured end-to-end, keeping business data private wherever your team connects.

Step 9: Monitor and audit your WiFi network

WiFi security is an ongoing task. Even the best defenses must be regularly revisited and adapted to remain effective. This becomes even more important as your company grows and your WiFi network supports more devices. 

  • Review your router logs and connected devices to spot anything unusual.
  • Run periodic audits or penetration tests to make sure your defenses are still working.
  • Set alerts (if supported) for unauthorized access attempts or rogue devices.

Secure your WiFi credentials with Proton Pass

Proton Pass is a secure business password manager that helps your team follow security best practices without the hassle. Instantly generate, store, and share complex router and WiFi passphrases in an end-to-end encrypted vault.