In today’s world, where so much of our daily lives and personal information is accessible online, it’s crucial that we take steps to protect ourselves from cyber threats. Every 39 seconds, there is a new attack somewhere on the web. And for landlords of multi-tenant units (MTUs), this means ensuring security of their systems, educating tenants, and taking steps to protect the entire building.
One of the biggest reasons cybersecurity is so important in an apartment or condo, for example, is that these buildings often have shared Wi-Fi networks. This means that if one resident’s device is compromised, hackers can access the entire network. And once they have access, they can steal sensitive information, such as financial or personal data, from any tenant on the network.
In addition to the risk of stolen personal information, cyber attacks on shared Wi-Fi networks can lead to other problems. For example, if a hacker gains access to the network and uses it to send spam or launch denial-of-service attacks, it can cause the entire network to slow down or become inaccessible. This not only affects the tenants’ ability to use the internet but can also harm the landlord’s reputation.
So what can landlords do to protect their buildings and residents from these cyber threats? Here are five three areas to focus on for the new year:
- Resident Security: One of the most important steps is to educate residents about the risks and the steps they can take to protect themselves. This can include providing information about the importance of using strong, unique passwords for each online account, avoiding suspicious websites and emails, and regularly updating their device’s software to patch any security vulnerabilities. One recent scam includes crooks outside the US targeting SMS-based campaigns to Americans wary of skyrocketing utility bills. These simple mistakes when acting on emotions can cause major issues for shared networks.
- Building Digital Security: Owners and operators should take steps to protect the building’s network itself, and make sure it’s properly configured and regularly maintained. This can include setting up security protocols, such as two-factor authentication, and performing regular software updates to ensure that technology is always up-to-date and effective. This can also include implementing a secure Passpoint Wi-Fi network with strong encryption, regularly updating and patching any network devices and software, and monitoring the network for any suspicious activity.
- Physical Security: Another critical aspect is ensuring that the building’s physical security is up to par. This can include installing security cameras and other surveillance equipment and ensuring that access to the building and its network is restricted to authorised users.
Overall, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated: 300,000 thousand new pieces of malware are created daily! According to a 2022 Statistica report, a survey among IT decision-makers in the United States found that nearly a quarter of companies that have experienced a cyber attack has lost between $50,000 and $99,999, with another 22 percent reported losing between $100,000 to $499,999.
How Nomadix Can Help:
We offer a range of internet gateway solutions specifically designed for shared networks, such as those found in apartments, student housing, senior living and other multi-tenant communities. We focus on advanced security features, such as built-in firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to help protect the network from incoming threats. In addition, Nomadix provides regular software updates to ensure that its gateways are always up-to-date and effective.
Additionally, we offer other multi-tenant products, including our MTU Portal for managed wi-fi and other advanced features to create a seamless single platform for tenants, property managers, and network administrators where every tenant gets their own high-speed secure Personal Virtual Network across the whole site. It also offers real-time bandwidth management ensures everyone always gets a great experience”
In conclusion, MTU owners and operators must ensure cybersecurity plans are clear. By educating tenants, securing the building’s network, and protecting the building’s physical security, landlords can help protect their tenants and prevent cyber attacks. And in today’s increasingly connected world, that’s more important than ever.
Dr. Chris Spencer is the Chief Information Security Officer at Nomadix & GlobalReach Technology and has been a technology leader in the Wi-Fi industry for well over two decades. Previously the Chief Technology Officer for GlobalReach for over 20 years, his team helped to design and build some of the world’s largest secure Wi-Fi networks, allowing seamless connectivity for users.
A recognized thought leader in best-practice secure, seamless sign-on experience, and the use of Passpoint (Hotspot 2.0), Chris has been involved in the specification, and delivery of Next Generation Hotspots (NGH), and leads and co-leads several industry working groups for the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) and the Seamless Air Alliance (SAA).