If you installed your hotel’s WiFi system some time ago and have barely given it a second thought since, now might be the time to give it a spring clean.

More specifically, now might be the time to ensure it is sufficiently secure for your guests and the data your hotel stores. This is a particularly good task to undertake if you’re anticipating a flood of new guests in the not too distant future.

Why? Because aside from WiFi that’s free, fast and easy to connect to, modern hotel guests want to be assured of high levels of security. And let’s not forget how important it is to secure the data you hold about them!

Here are five things your WiFi network needs.

1. A login system

For reasons we’ll explain in tip 2, handing guests a WiFi login key isn’t ideal. Instead, you need a more robust login platform that’s just as easy to use (if not easier).

Before guests can access your WiFi, they should be presented with a login box that asks for their email address. After entering the address (and either accepting or declining the request to receive promotional emails from you), they’re connected to the network. Simple!

This removes the need for a WiFi key, gives you the opportunity to capture their email for marketing purposes and results in a far better guest experience overall.

2. A complete absence of the WiFi key

As noted above, the last thing you want to do is plaster your WiFi access key everywhere throughout the hotel.

Even if access is free (which it should be), don’t feel obliged to do this. In doing so, you’ll give passers-by the option of quickly logging in and saving your key so they can use up your bandwidth from the comfort of the car park.

3. WPA2 encryption

The default level of security for a WiFi network is currently known as WPA2.

Unless your router is considerably ancient (if it is, it’s time to buy a new one), it will have WPA2 built in. 

Turn it on and leave it on.

4. New passwords

Whenever you buy a new router, it’ll come with a bunch of default passwords. The two most important are the WiFi key and the router login.

At first glance, they might look really secure straight out of the box (most manufacturers use a random collection of numbers and letters). Regardless, there’s nothing more secure than a brand-new password generated by you and kept away from prying eyes.

Use a password generator like this one to create new passwords, and don’t write them down anywhere. Instead, store them in a password manager (a quick Google will reveal plenty of these).

5. Two separate WiFi networks

Yes, you read that right: if your hotel wants the highest level of WiFi security, it should run two separate networks. One is for your guests, the other for the hotel’s teams.

This offers two benefits:

  • both sets of users get the bandwidth they need; and
  • you can set more stringent security rules for guest use.

It might seem like a big job, but you’ll quickly discover that it’s much easier than you think, and the pay-off is significant, security-wise.

Wrapping up

You may need technical assistance with some of the tips above, therefore we’d recommend speaking to your WiFi provider (or IT contact) before diving in with a DIY approach.

Hotel guests place significant importance on WiFi but are increasingly nervous of public networks. Differentiate your property by making it clear how much you value their data privacy and ability to use one of your key services without fear.

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CMS Hospitality holds over 30 years of experience in delivering hospitality software solutions. CMS offers the most complete solution in hospitality software, whether you’re running a hotel, a resort or a hostel. Our highly experienced support and installations team holds a unique understanding of the hospitality industry. We will aim to provide software that suits your property’s needs.

Call us today at (+61) 2 9440 9711, or email us at sales@cmshospitality.com. We will be happy to guide you to the CMS Hospitality solution that’s right for you.