Just about every small business in the world runs on a wireless (Wi-Fi) network, using a router supplied by one of the common providers.  In our area (Baltimore/DC Metro) the big players are Comcast/Xfinity and Verizon FIOS, you probably use one of these two.  If you were lucky, or paid an expert to help you then the wireless network you are riding on is secure and fast.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Your Wi-Fi network should be using WPA2 security with a strong password.  Your Wi-Fi password is like the lock on the front door of your business.  I can sit in a car outside your building or in the coffee shop next door, and most likely pick up your wireless signal without much difficulty.  So, if your Wi-Fi password is “password”, or the name of your business you are an easy target. 

Do you have any idea what the admin username and password to your Wi-Fi Router/Modem is?  You can find the default username/passwords for most of the common ones freely on the internet.  So, if yours has not been changed the front door is open.  You will rarely need these, so change the username and assign a complex password (written down in your secured password notebook, or password manager software).

You may have a “guest” Wi-Fi network for your customers, this needs to be firewalled from your business network, and (of course) use a different password.  Just saying.  This is one of the many things we cover in a Security Checkup.  If one of your employee’s work laptop or phone is stolen, or an employee leaves the company you need to change your Wi-Fi password.  We can help you do this.

Its easy to overlook the technology that enables your business when you are busy doing business!  Here are five critical things we ask during an Initial Consult for you to think about.

1. Data – do you know what data your business depends on?  It can take many forms; financial (think QuickBooks), customer records, photos and scanned documents, websites, emails, inventory, etc.  Now – do you know WHERE this data is stored?  You would be surprised how many businesses don’t have a solid answer to this question.  How can you protect your data if you don’t know where it is?  Make a list!
   
2. Backups – are you backing up all of your data?  Are you SURE?  There needs to be a RECENT copy of everything in Question #1 somewhere safe and accessible.  That does not mean a USB drive in your desk drawer.  There are lots of inexpensive data backup options.  For instance, a USB drive in your safety deposit box at the bank is a great solution.  Even better is storing your data in the cloud and letting someone else ensure backups get done on a regular basis.
   
3. Passwords and Security – do you have a copy of ALL of your passwords in a safe place?  A notebook in your locked safe or safety deposit box is a great idea.  Don’t use stupid passwords like “123456”.  Think I’m kidding?  See if one of your passwords is on this list: https://nordpass.com/most-common-passwords-list/.  Passphrases make fantastic and easy to remember passwords…ask us about how to create them.
   
4. Websites and Social Media – the secret to both websites and social media are keeping them updated with interesting content.  Keep it fresh!  We can manage and maintain your website; you create the content and we’ll update it for you.  And ensure it’s backed up, help with improving your hits on Google and other search engines, and provide traffic analysis.
   
5. Cloud Services – are you running your business on an old Dell server tucked in the back closet?  Move your business to the cloud.  We can help migrate you to Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, or other cloud providers.  It’s 2021, having on-premises infrastructure is obsolete.  Also, a cloud-based solution facilitates working remotely when it makes sense.