What is a Guest Network

Your friend is visiting you and they ask for the WiFi password. Seems harmless—right? You know this person and you trust them on your network. Surprisingly, this piece of shared information could cause a data breach and compromise all of the devices connected to the network unbeknownst to both of you.

The easiest way to avoid this misstep is by setting up a guest WiFi network. Providing a different access point to guests and vulnerable devices can prevent accidental cyberattacks.

How does a Guest Network Work?

A guest WiFi network provides an access point to the internet separate from the one your primary devices connect to. WiFi works by connecting devices to a single router that grants internet access. By creating a separate entry to the internet with guest WiFi, you’re allowing internet access for devices that may be more susceptible to viruses without allowing them to connect to your home network.

Is Guest WiFi Safe?

Guest WiFi is the safest way to give your visitors access to the internet through your existing network. If your guests log on to the primary network with a compromised or malware-infected device, the virus can spread to your home devices connected to WiFi.

However, if the compromised device is connected to guest WiFi, the virus or malware can’t penetrate your home network. Additionally, guest WiFi provides another layer of protection for IoT appliances including smart TVs, which are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities.

Contact Tech Guide to get a guest network setup for you!