Wifi Security Checklist for Assisted Living Facilities (28 To-Do's)

Wifi Security Checklist for Assisted Living Facilities (28 To-Do's)

Wifi security for assisted living facilities is absolutely crucial for protecting sensitive resident data and to provide certain services. 

Therefore, you need to ensure it’s secure. One vulnerability could turn into a huge lawsuit, which could ruin the facility's reputation and finances. 

To ensure you don’t encounter any wifi security issues, here’s a checklist specially designed for assisted living facilities. 

Network Infrastructure & Design

Network infrastructure and design are all about the physical setup and configuration of your wifi network.

Checklist Items: 

• Perform wireless site survey: Perform a site survey of your facility and identify the best placement for access points, assess coverage areas, and detect interference. 
• Deploy enterprise-grade access points: Use high-quality, business-class access points that can handle the demands needed for your work environment. 
• Establish redundant internet connections: Set up backup internet connections to ensure there is zero downtime on services like emergency communication or telehealth. 

Network Segmentation & Access Control

Network segmentation is when you divide the network into distinct sections, for example, staff and residents. Access controls, on the other hand, are used to authorize specific devices or users to access certain segments (online or offline). 

Checklist Items: 

• Create separate VLANs for users and devices: Create different Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) for different user types (like residents, staff, medical devices, etc.). 
• Isolate guest networks with internet-only access: Provide an isolated network for guests (if wifi is provided) so they can only access the internet and not internal systems. 
• Segment IoMT devices on dedicated networks: Place Internet of Things medical devices on a separate VLAN so they are isolated from other less secure devices.

Encryption & Authentication

Encryption protects data by converting it into code that’s unreadable, while authentication ensures only authorized access and devices can access the network. 

Checklist Items: 

• Use WPA3 encryption for all networks: This is the latest standard for wireless networks. 
• Implement 802.1X authentication: Use certificate-based authentication to grant access to networks. 
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security as it requires users to verify their identity using two or more factors. 

Device Security & Management

Device security and management refers to the practice of ensuring all devices connected to the device are properly managed and safe. 

Checklist Items: 

• Use Mobile Device Management (MDM): Implement an MDM solution to monitor and control mobile devices that access the network. 
• Maintain device inventory: Keep an up-to-date inventory of all of the devices connected to the network, including serial numbers. 
• Configure automatic updates for devices: Enable automatic software updates for all devices connected to the network. 
• Enable remote wipe capabilities: Allow devices to be removed remotely, especially helpful if the device is lost or stolen. 

Monitoring & Auditing

Monitoring and auditing involve tracking the activity on the network to detect any potential threats or compliance issues. 

Checklist Items: 

• Implement continuous network monitoring: Set up automated and continuous monitoring of the network to detect suspicious activity or performance declines. 
• Deploy Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): IDS monitors the network for any signs of abnormal behavior or unauthorized access. 
• Enable comprehensive logging: This allows for detailed logs of all network activity, such as access attempts, data transfers, etc. 
• Conduct regular security audits: Perform routine security assessments and penetration testing to uncover any network vulnerabilities. 

Physical Security

Physical security is anything implemented to protect the network’s physical infrastructure, like access points, routers, switches, etc., from unauthorized access or tampering. 

Checklist Items: 

• Secure network equipment locations: Store network equipment in a locked, restricted-access area to prevent unwanted tampering. 
• Implement tamper-evident protections: Use tamper-evident seals on critical network infrastructure to detect any unauthorized attempts to access sensitive equipment. 
• Control physical access to APs: Month access points in locations that are difficult for unauthorized personnel to reach. 

Staff Training & Policies

This involves having processes and systems in place to ensure your staff is properly educated on how to maintain adequate wifi security. 

Checklist Items: 

• Develop IT security policies: Create formal policies that outline proper use of wifi and connected devices. 
• Conduct regular cybersecurity training: Regularly train staff on recognizing phishing attempts, ensuring safe wifi use, and proper handling of devices. 
• Establish acceptable use policies: Set clear rules about what devices and applications are allowed on the network. 

Vendor & Third-Party Management

Vendor and third-party management ensure that external service providers adhere to your specific facility's security standards. 

Checklist Items: 

• Vet Wi-Fi service providers: Ensure that third-party wifi providers sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) as required by HIPAA if they handle Protected Health Information (PHI). 
• Secure vendor remote access: Use VPNs and restricted access control to monitor and manage third-party access to the network. ‍
• Review vendor security practices: Regularly assess the security measures of any external service providers to ensure they align with your security requirements.

Wifi Security Checklist for Assisted Living Businesses 

Conclusion

Guaranteeing adequate wifi security for your assisted living facilities is mandatory. Not only to protect residence data, but also to keep modern medical devices running. 

You can improve your wifi security by implementing this checklist. Alternatively, you can leave it to the professionals and contact us at Beacon. 

‍