06 Aug 2013 8 Steps to Secure Retail Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is swiftly becoming a customer-demanded service for all retail organisations be it coffee shops, multi site retailers or large hotels. Along with this demand, PCI compliant Wi-Fi is also becoming a need to secure sensitive data, prevent large fines & protect a brand name of any organisation.

It was found that:

• 24% of enterprises had rogue access points in their environments.
• 1 out of 3 enterprises continue to deploy unsecured or misconfigured access points.
• 68% of enterprises were exposed to vulnerable clients such as wireless POS, smartphones, and laptops.

As a business owner, marketing director or branding officer, a Wireless network hack not only incurs resource & recovery costs, it can also damage a brand name. With social media as it stands today, news of retail network security breaches spreads like wildfire making congealed history that cannot be erased.

An example of an untraceable hacker gaining access to a shopping centre and ceasing control of the advertising boards through weak WPA2 security.

It’s not all doom and gloom, outlined below are 8 ways you can eliminate wireless network breaches, PCI related fines & a tarnished brand name:

1. Get the Reporting Right:

Get clear, detailed PCI compliance reports for one site and across multiple sites to help speed the audit process.

2. Automate Setup:

Automated configuration & features which require minimal human intervention for day-today operations almost entirely eliminates the chance of rogue access point or Wi-Fi “open doors”.

3. Make it Scale:

Plans for future growth? With the economic climates picking up, single outlet retailers may become multi outlet retailers. A Wi-Fi system that grows comparatively with a retailer or is ready to be rolled out on a large scale is imperative to overall management.

4. Block all Threats:

Rogue AP, HoneyPot AP, Misconfigured AP – detecting these threats is one thing, eliminating threats is another. Preventing intruders with basic knowledge levels from unauthorised entry, upgradeability is also key as new threats arise.

5. Ensure Robust Device Classification:

Comprehensive classification engines allow you to maintain accurate device inventory. Air space scanning automatically classifies devices into correct categories, providing full air space visibility.

6. Automatic Prevention:

As PCI DSS outlines, automated prevention of threats is key to rapidly respond to harmful threats prevent serious damage.

7. Track It:

Feature location tracking to identify the location of wireless devices, remove devices as needed, and track inventory.

8. Consider the Cloud for Lower CapEx:

A cloud-based option uses a services model, allows funding of tools with OpEx budget. This affordable option serves businesses of every size and vertical, and those without dedicated IT support.

Purdicom have a comprehensive portfolio of Wi-Fi, PCI security & Social Wi-Fi solutions optimal for retailers of any time. For more information or a free demonstration trial, get in touch with us today.

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