Safety and Security for Guest Internet and WiFi

Guests expect to have internet and WiFi as an amenity when they rent your property.  Usually, offering this service doesn’t pose a problem.  But there are a few things you should consider to protect yourself and your guests.

The following tips provide examples of added safety and security measures you can take when offering your guests internet and WiFi.

Internet and WiFi Safety and Security Tips

Limit Physical Access to the Modem

Protect access to internet equipment by storing the modem in a locked area.  An owner’s closet or locked cabinet will prevent guests from physically accessing the hardware.

Problems can occur if a guest has access to reset the modem.  For instance, wireless door locks, cameras, and other devices could disconnect during a reset.  If that happens, manually reconnecting them could be a real hassle.

Additionally, you do not want to allow guests to hardwire into your router or modem.  Having the equipment inside a locked compartment will better prevent this from happening.

Create a Separate Encrypted Guest Network

A separate guest network is merely a second access point for getting to the internet.

Creating a separate guest network provides added security to you as the property owner.  If anything should go wrong with a guest accessing the internet for fraudulent, criminal, nefarious purposes, having a separate network will provide some added security.

In addition, computers, printers, or other devices that are attached only to the main network will be more protected from malware and viruses.  And guests’ devices will be more protected from malware and viruses that could spread from devices on the main network.

Shared spaces are especially vulnerable when only a single home network is available to both the owner and the guest.  Guests could potentially access the owner’s devices on the network, files, banking information, and other private information.

Most routers will support the addition of a separate guest Wifi network.  This website provides detailed instructions that work for most routers for adding a guest network. 

You may also want to check with your local internet service provider for your router’s specific instructions.  

Adding a guest network is one of the best ways of providing added internet and WiFi safety and security to your property.

Create a Strong Guest Password

A strong password provides added safety and security for you and your guest.  Avoid sharing the password with your guests until their reservation is confirmed.  Many owners do not provide the password until upon arrival.

The password should be a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.  Passwords that are at least eight characters are typically required on most routers and modems.

Strong passwords help to protect yourself from neighbors or people nearby who could guess a weak password.  Nefarious persons could access your property’s internet for performing criminal activity online without you even knowing they have gained access.

Change the Password Often

Do not keep the default password active.  Be sure change the password for new routers immediately after installation.

Add additional security by changing the password at least a couple of times each year – more often is recommended.

Change the password after any problem guests at your property.

Set Limits on Internet Bandwidth/Downloads

Some service providers have features for limiting bandwidth and or data utilization.  This prevents continuous streaming, excessive downloads,

Some service providers limit bandwidth or throttle bandwidth (reduce speed) automatically.

Be sure you know how your service provider handles excessive data usage.

Owners can be surprised by a huge bill when a guest has gone over the allotted amount and the service automatically adds additional data to the service plan.

Create a Workcation Friendly Space for Your Guests

This blog post provides tips for creating a comfortable work space where guests can enjoy working remotely.  Help your guests feel organized and productive while on vacation and away from their office.

Have a Strong Internet and WiFi Policy

The rental agreement and house rules should be specific for expectations and limitations for the use of your internet and WiFi network.

PROTECT YOURSELF!  Your rental agreement and house rules must address the prohibition of illegal internet and WiFi activities.  

This internet usage policy template is a good place to start for developing the language to include in your rental agreement. 

I recommend having an attorney review your internet usage policy (and all of your rental agreement and house rules).

Internet and WiFi safety and security is as important for you as it is for your guests.  Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your guests by following the tips provided.