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The Top 5 Best Practices for Securing Your Wi-Fi in a Corrections Environment

While GUARDIAN RFID does not require Wi-Fi, having it in your facility opens the door to a range of advanced technologies. But how do you ensure your networks remain secure? Here are some valuable tips to help protect your data, keep your staff focused, and ensure inmates remain offline.
Nick Lane
Nick Lane
Contributors:
Kenzie Koch | Senior Marketing Specialist

Here at GUARDIAN RFID, we pride ourselves on being the global leader in inmate management and tracking systems. We are dedicated to providing corrections professionals with the hardware and software needed to help make their correctional facility safer, smarter, and more aware. But is Wi-Fi needed for our technology to work?

In short, Wi-Fi is not required to implement GUARDIAN RFID. We work with agencies of every size and need, including many facilities that don’t have Wi-Fi networks within their facility.  GUARDIAN RFID can function entirely without Wi-Fi, communicating exclusively over physical wired network connections. 

However, our SPARTAN devices can only communicate while docked in their charging cradles without Wi-Fi. So, the opportunity for them to upload their collected data and download new information is much more limited, which is why we highly recommend having Wi-Fi coverage within the facility. There doesn’t necessarily need to be wall-to-wall coverage throughout the facility but having coverage in the areas where staff most frequently work will maximize the software effectiveness. 

GUARDIAN RFID does not sell or install wireless networks, but we're more than happy to assist in identifying optimal access point locations within your facility and sharing our networking best practices. Whether implementing a new Wi-Fi system or enhancing an existing one, proper configuration and robust security measures are essential. Protecting sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access to your network is crucial. 

This blog highlights our top five best practices for securing your Wi-Fi network in a corrections environment.

1. Segment Your Networks

Many places separate their production networks from their guest networks, and for good reason. These networks serve different functions, access different systems, and have different security needs. When you start adding other technologies into your facility, evaluate your network setup. If your new equipment doesn’t need to interact with any of the existing systems, it may make sense to put it on a network all to its own.

2. Change Default Names and Passwords

All routers and access points come with default usernames and passwords set by the manufacturer, but it’s essential to change these immediately. Keeping the default credentials in place makes it easy for unauthorized users to spoof them, potentially gaining user or even administrator-level access to your systems. Protect your network by ensuring these settings are updated right away.

3. Enable Encryption

Guest networks are great for checking email or sending quick messages at your local coffee shop, but your production networks should be tightly secured. To protect your sensitive data, choose a strong encryption protocol and a robust password. Taking a few extra minutes to set this up now can save you countless hours of unnecessary frustration and headaches later.

4. Disable SSID Broadcasting

By default, most routers and access points broadcast their network identifier (SSID), making it easier for devices to connect. However, this also creates a visible target for potential attackers. Disabling your SSID broadcast can make your network invisible to outsiders, ensuring that only the devices you've configured can access it. This added layer of security helps protect your network from unwanted intrusions.

5. MAC Authentication

Within your computer, phone, or other device, there is a unique MAC address. Think of this like an electronic fingerprint for the device. With MAC authentication, not only do users need the correct username and password to access your network, but they also need to connect from an approved registered device. This prevents any non-approved or personal devices from being added to the network by your users.

GUARDIAN RFID is committed to digitally transforming correctional facilities nationwide, equipping them with the tools necessary to automate their care, custody, and control mission set. We hope our top five best practices for securing Wi-Fi networks offer valuable insights for your facility. If you’re ready for a demo or are interested in our products, implementation, pricing, or anything else, our team members are here to help and ready to answer any questions. Please reach out to us here or call us at 1-855-777-7343.